Leadership, empowerment, support, and job satisfaction: Insights from Vietnamese Small and Medium-sized manufacturing Enterprises (SMEs)

Nguyen An Phu () and Nguyen Van Tien
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Nguyen An Phu: Hong Bang International University, Ho Chi Minh City; Ho Chi Minh University of Banking, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Nguyen Van Tien: Ho Chi Minh University of Banking, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

HO CHI MINH CITY OPEN UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF SCIENCE - ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 2026, vol. 16, issue 2, 67-83

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of authentic leadership on employee job satisfaction within Vietnamese SMEs, with a particular emphasis on the mediating roles of psychological empowerment and perceived organizational support. Analyzing data from 638 employees in the trade and service sectors using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the findings reveal that authentic leadership, directly and indirectly, fosters job satisfaction by promoting trust, transparency, and ethical behaviors. Psychological empowerment amplifies employees’ sense of autonomy and competence, while perceived organizational support strengthens their emotional connection to the organization. The research underscores the cultural importance of collective values and managerial support in the Vietnamese context. Practical recommendations include implementing leadership development programs prioritizing authenticity and empowerment alongside structured systems for employee recognition and support. Despite these contributions, the study is limited by its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should investigate longitudinal effects and consider additional mediating factors. This research provides valuable insights for improving SMEs’ employee satisfaction and organizational performance.

Keywords: authentic leadership; job satisfaction; perceived organizational support; psychological empowerment; Vietnamese SMEs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J28 M12 M14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bjw:econen:v:16:y:2026:i:2:p:67-83

DOI: 10.46223/HCMCOUJS.econ.en.16.2.3978.2026

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