The mediating effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on leaders' communication competence and job satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationships between leaders' communication competence, mindfulness, self-compassion and job satisfaction. Barge and Hirokawa's (1989) communication-centered theoretical approach of leadership and Gilbert's (2005) social mentality offered frameworks to examine mindfulness and self-compassion as co-mediators of the relationship between business leaders' communication competence and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 219 business leaders in the USA via snowball sampling.

Findings

The results showed that communication competence served as an antecedent of mindfulness and self-compassion. Additionally, self-compassion served as a significant mediator between the positive relationship between communication competence and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

Managers and business leaders may gain insights about the benefit of developing self-compassion and communication competence skills to enhance their job satisfaction via courses, workshops and certifications.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the effect of two well-being constructs (self-compassion and mindfulness) on the relationship between leaders' communication competence and job satisfaction.

Citation

Ramos Salazar, L. (2022), "The mediating effect of mindfulness and self-compassion on leaders' communication competence and job satisfaction", Journal of Communication Management, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 39-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCOM-07-2021-0074