Leadership behaviour and mental health of employees in the health and social care sector

The subject of this thesis is the empirical investigation of the mechanism of action between leadership behaviour and the health of employees in the health and social services sector. It examines the role played by the personal and work-related characteristics of employees and whether there is a management concept that is particularly relevant to health. The results of the study confirm the particular importance of the design of work-related resources (role clarity, predictability and meaningfulness of work) as health-promoting leadership behaviour. The Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) was identified as a particularly relevant leadership concept. This concept is based on the design and development of a high-quality relationship between employees and team leaders based on respect, trust and mutual exchange.