The effect of transformational leadership on hospital sustainability in Jordan: The mediating reason of total quality management

Abstract

Orientation: Transformational leadership (TL) has a positive impact on achieving sustainability; however, little is known about the mediating impact of total quality management (TQM) in achieving sustainability in developing countries such as Jordan.
Research purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of TL on sustainability and the mediating impact of TQM in Jordanian hospitals, namely, King Abdullah Hospital and Princess Basma Hospital.
Motivation for the study: Little is known about the mediating impact of TQM in achieving sustainability in developing countries such as Jordan, creating a need to explore this relationship.
Research approach/design and method: A validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 nurses, doctors, technicians and administrative staff using stratified random sampling. The data were analysed quantitatively using Smart-PLS 4 software and structural equation modelling (SEM).
Main findings: The results revealed that TL has a positive impact on hospital sustainability, with 45.9%. In addition, TQM was considered a partial mediator in this relationship. This indicates that TQM supports the impact of TL on sustainability by strengthening operational efficiency and quality-driven initiatives.
Practical/managerial implications: The study recommended that hospital administrators implement TL qualities and incorporate TQM frameworks to ameliorate long-term sustainability, operational efficiency and patient safety.
Contribution/value-add: The study concluded that TL promotes sustainability, whereas TQM serves as an effective mediator in promoting this relationship.