Unlike other forms of unethical behavior, less attention has been paid to unethical pro-leader behavior (UPLB). Drawing on the cognitive–affective personality system theory and social exchange theory, this study aims to explore why and when leader forgiveness induces UPLB. Precisely, affective commitment to the leader and leader-oriented moral disengagement could be a mediator, and employee gratitude trait could moderate the process. We tested our hypotheses at three time points, using data collected from 375 employees and 64 leaders. Results showed that leader forgiveness exerted a positive impact on UPLB, and affective commitment to the leader and leader-oriented moral disengagement mediated this process. However, the employee gratitude trait weakened the relationship between leader forgiveness and UPLB. Overall, this study enriches the literature on UPLB antecedents, providing some practical implications for reducing employees’ unethical behavior.
