HOW NATIONALIST IDEOLOGY OF TOP LEADERS CAN POSITIVELY AFFECT WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND INFLUENCE EMPLOYEES

Sažetak

Nationalist ideology, when embodied by top leadership in a constructive and inclusive manner, can function as a powerful socio-psychological force influencing organizational environments. This paper explores the positive organizational implications of nationalist-oriented leadership— defined as leadership that frames organizational goals within the broader narrative of national progress, collective pride, and societal responsibility. Drawing on social identity theory, charismatic leadership theory, and motivational organizational behaviour frameworks, the study argues that nationalist ideology can strengthen employees’ intrinsic motivation, enhance collective identity, foster cooperative behaviour, and build emotionally cohesive work environments. Leaders who articulate visions aligned with national development often evoke higher levels of trust, purpose-driven commitment, and organizational citizenship behaviours among employees. Such leaders can create a sense of belongingness, moral alignment, and unified identity across diverse workforce groups, ultimately translating into improved work satisfaction, productivity, and psychological resilience.  The paper synthesizes existing scholarship and integrates conceptual reasoning to explain how nationalism—when expressed as pride, responsibility, and dedication toward national growth— stimulates higher employee engagement and strengthens organizational culture. The positive influence arises from mechanisms such as symbolic motivation, shared socio-cultural values, patriotic emotional appeal, and the framing of work as contribution to a collective cause. The analysis further demonstrates that nationalist leadership enhances ethical conduct, discipline, and voluntary pro-social behaviour, while reducing interpersonal fragmentation. The paper includes conceptual diagrams, charts, and comparative frameworks that illustrate how nationalist ideology functions as a catalyst for unity, perseverance, and productive team dynamics.