Healing the healers: The interplay of corporate social responsibility and leadership in the healthcare burnout epidemic

This study investigated the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, leadership, employee admiration and altruism, and burnout in the urban healthcare sector of a developing country, Pakistan. Grounded in conservation of resources (COR) theory, our research demonstrates how CSR, augmented by admiration, altruism, and humble leadership, mitigates burnout. Insights were drawn from professionals in eight CSR-engaged private hospitals via a three-wave data collection process. The findings highlight CSR’s role in fostering employee pride and countering burnout, as well as the significant impact of humble leadership. The research illuminates the interplay between corporate ethics and employee morale, suggesting that CSR activities are not merely philanthropic endeavors but strategic investments in human capital. Given the unique socioeconomic challenges of this context, our study offers crucial insights and lays the groundwork for further research in varied cultural settings.