Trust as mediator of the relationship of transformational leadership on knowledge creation in law enforcement

This quantitative correlational case study analyzed data obtained from 49 supervisors and 247 direct reports of one large law enforcement agency in the Northeast region of the United States. The purpose of the study was to create and evaluate an integrated theoretical model that related transformational leadership behaviors, trust, and knowledge creation. The theoretical framework integrated previous research findings examining the concept of trust as a mediator of transformational leadership and knowledge creation. Data for transformational leadership and trust were collected from direct reports and knowledge creation was collected from supervisors. The analysis of the theoretical model utilized structural equation modeling as the primary analytical technique. The findings of the study indicated that transformational leadership behaviors had a positive and significant relationship with trust and with knowledge creation. Contrary to prior results in the management literature, the study results did not find that trust was related to knowledge creation. Contributions of this research include an understanding of the relationships that exist between trust and its antecedents or consequences. The study concludes with recommendations for future studies.