Date

4-7-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Benjamin Wood

Keywords

self-determination theory, full range leadership theory, transformational leadership, transactional leadership, psychological needs satisfaction, autonomy, competence, relatedness, prosocial rule-breaking, constructive deviance, financial services, compliance culture, organizational behavior

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This quantitative study examines the relationship between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs- autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and prosocial rule-breaking among employees in the financial-services industry, as well as the moderating effects of transformational and transactional leadership styles. Guided by self-determination theory and full range leadership theory, the study explores how intrinsic motivation and leadership context jointly influence ethical decision-making within highly regulated environments. Data were collected from 102 financial-services professionals through an online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicate that autonomy was a strong positive predictor of PSRB, relatedness demonstrated a negative relationship, and competence’s effect was contingent upon leadership style. Specifically, competence increased PSRB under transformational leadership but decreased it under transactional leadership, suggesting a contextual reversal. The model demonstrated acceptable fit (χ²/df = 2.14, CFI = .946, TLI = .932, RMSEA = .068, SRMR = .046). These findings extend SDT and FRLT by highlighting leadership’s role as a moral and procedural filter that shapes motivational outcomes. The study offers theoretical, practical, and theological insights for fostering ethical innovation, emphasizing that compliance and creativity can coexist when guided by autonomy, competence, relatedness, and wise leadership.

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