This study contributes to leadership literature by linking leader strain with followers’ level of burnout while considering leaders’ transformational leadership behaviour. The study provides promising insights into the field of leadership theory by shedding light on the nature of leadership under stress. The sample consisted of 294 dyads of leaders and their followers, who provided information on transformational leadership style, levels of perceived strain, and burnout via an online survey. Results show that (1) strained leaders display less transformational leader behaviours, (2) leaders’ transformational behaviours reduce follower burnout, and (3) the relationship between leader strain and follower burnout is mediated by transformational leadership behaviours. This study contributes to the existing literature by exploring the link between leaders’ strain and followers’ burnout within a health-oriented leadership framework, and uncovers direct and indirect effects seen as a result of transformational leadership.
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