The mechanism of how transformational leadership impacts on subordinates´ voice behavior: A test of basic assumption of affective events theory

In order to test the central assumptions of affective events theory (AET), which was recognized as an integrated framework of the study of emotions in the workplace, this paper presents and tests a model of the impact of transformational leadership on subordinates´ voice behavior, based on 408 superior-subordinate matched samples from privately-owned and state-owned enterprises in China. Results indicate that transformational leadership had an impact on subordinates´ positive emotions that, in turn co-determine subordinates´ social identity, and ultimately promote voice behavior of employees. This research provides inspiration for opening the “black box” between predictors and voice behavior. And thus, the basic assumptions of AET theory were tested. The implications, limitations and future directions of the study were discussed as well.