The Relationship between Meaningful Work and Job Satisfaction: A Moderated Mediation Model

This study examines how meaningful work influences job satisfaction among managerial employees in India’s manufacturing sector, with organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) as a mediator and effective leadership as a moderator. Using data from 412 employees in Chhattisgarh and analysing it through PLS-SEM, the findings show that meaningful work significantly enhances both OCB and job satisfaction. OCB also strongly predicts job satisfaction and mediates this relationship. While effective leadership positively influences OCB, its moderating effects are insignificant. The study integrates Social Exchange Theory and Self-Determination Theory to offer context-specific insights into employee behaviour and satisfaction.