The Impact of Organizational Justice on the Quality of the Leader-Member Relationship in Public versus Foundation Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of organizational justice on the quality of leader–member exchange relationships in the Turkish higher education context. Public and foundation universities are compared, as extant literature reveals significant differences between them. The study employs a sequential mixed-method design. Surveys from 182 academicians from faculties of economics and administrative sciences in Istanbul are collected through key contact persons or via e-mails. Surveys are complemented by 17 face-to-face semi-structured interviews, most of which were conducted at the interviewees’ universities. Findings point to a strong impact of informational justice that is modestly complemented by procedural justice on the quality of the leader–member relationship in public universities. In foundation universities, however, procedural, informational and interpersonal justice dimensions influence the quality of the leader–member relationship in a balanced manner. The study also has implications for university administrators.