Effects of perceived risk and trust in subordinate on leader empowering behaviors in China

Drawing on a sample of 184 supervisors from mainland China, the current research examined the impact of perceived risk and trust in subordinate on leader empowering behavior by using scenario experiment. The results indicated that trust in subordinate had positive influence on three dimensions of leader empowering behaviors, and trust in subordinate had stronger effect on participative decision than on informing or coaching. Perceived risk only had negative effects on participative decision and informing. In addition, perceived risk moderated the relationship of trust in subordinate with participative decision and informing. In specially, only in the high-risk condition, trust in subordinate showed significant influence on participative decision and informing. Our research provided valuable insights for literatures on empowerment and trust which are becoming more important in China situated in transitional economy.