How to theorize nonlinear relationships and test them: A journal article example

How can a researcher theorize nonlinear relationships and test them? This question is addressed through the publication below, which provides an example of nonlinear theorizing and related empirical analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first articles that exemplifies how nonlinear theorizing can be incorporated into a casual model and tested with WarpPLS.

Kock, N., Mayfield, M., Mayfield, J., Sexton, S., & De La Garza, L. (2019). Empathetic leadership: How leader emotional support and understanding influences follower performance. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 26(2), 217-236.

A link to a PDF file is available ().

Abstract:

This article presents a theory of empathetic leadership and its initial test. Empathetic leadership provides a model of how leader understanding and support improves follower behaviors and affective states. For this article, we explored the link between empathetic leadership and follower performance. Specifically, we tested the causal processes by which empathetic language influences follower performance. These processes include follower job satisfaction and innovation. Findings support model hypotheses and provide preliminary causal support for the model.