Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of responsible leadership on employee duty orientation in the manufacturing sector of Ghana by using job satisfaction as a mediating variable. Design/methodology/approach This study relied on the quantitative approach and explanatory research design for the execution. This study gathered data from 325 employees across three manufacturing firms and applied the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to test hypotheses. Findings This study established that responsible leadership had significant positive relationship with duty orientation and job satisfaction. The findings further disclosed that job satisfaction was positively related to duty orientation. This study provided evidence that job satisfaction serves as a mechanism through which responsible leadership could influence duty orientation. Practical implications This study recommends that for manufacturing firms to enhance job satisfaction, which will eventually lead to employees’ demonstrating duty orientation, the employers and relevant stakeholders such as board of directors and shareholders should emphasise responsible leadership traits among various managers and supervisors. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge in a novel research area. It adds to empirical evidence by highlighting the possible variables that may influence employees to engage in duty orientation.