ABSTRACT:

The aim of this study is to analyze the extent of paternalistic leadership style as perceived by employees in a Saudi Arabian oil and gas company, as well as the mechanism how paternalistic leadership affects organizational citizenship behavior. This research followed a qualitative approach and data are derived from semi-directed interviews. Interview questions were constructed based on the research themes derived from the literature review. Respondents in the study are made up by employees who have less than seven years of working experience in the oil and gas industry in Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling techniques are used to identify the respondents. Data analysis occurred in multiple stages based on themes that answer each research question. Higher degree of moral and benevolence dimensions of paternalistic leadership leads to higher organization citizenship behaviors. Relationship between paternalistic leadership and organization citizenship behavior is positive when employees experienced higher levels of trust and work engagement.

Keywords: paternalistic leadership, organization citizenship behaviors, trust, work engagement, Saudi Arabia