Considering the Source: The Impact of Leadership Level on Follower Motivation and Intent to Stay

Researchers and practitioners have devoted little attention to the impact of different sources of leadership support on follower outcomes. The present study is the first to examine the relationship between two levels of leadership support-immediate supervisors and senior management-on follower motivation and intent to stay. Although positively related, support from each level exerted an independent, positive influence on follower motivation and intent to stay, with senior management support showing greater impact. These findings emerged for employees in low-and high-status positions; however, the levels of support had stronger impact on intent to stay for workers in high-status positions.