Abstract: Researches on the effect of ethical leadership from the social learning perspective and the social exchange perspective often lead to similar or identical findings though the two perspectives have different research logics. Based on self-determination theory, this study proposes a more fundamental explanatory mechanism between the two perspectives, namely, needs satisfaction. Our analysis based on 272 dyads of supervisor-subordinate data shows that the more ethically leaders behave, the better their subordinates’ basic needs are satisfied, and such satisfaction will translate to better task performance and more proactive and creative behaviors. Meanwhile, by improving subordinates’ needs satisfaction in this way, ethical leaders can also stimulate their subordinates ’ ethical learning and social exchange. Clarifying the essence of ethical leadership, our findings not only enhance the consistency of theoretical explanations in the field of ethical leadership but also broaden the theoretical development of ethical leadership and provide guidance for enterprises to manage their businesses.

Key words: ethical leadership, task performance, proactive behavior, creative behavior, self-determination theory