Drawing on signaling theory and using a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, we analyzed secondary data from 59 countries to understand the impact of leadership styles, national culture, corruption, and community mobility on COVID-19 outcomes. Our findings reveal that leadership styles characterized by charisma and a humane orientation positively influence community mobility, leading to better quarantine behavior and improved COVID-19 outcomes. Furthermore, we find that cultural dimensions, particularly uncertainty avoidance, play a significant role in shaping leadership perceptions and subsequent community responses. This study underscores the importance of effective communication by leaders, transparency, and trust-building during crises. This study also highlights the need to consider cultural factors when formulating crisis response strategies. These findings have implications for policymakers and leaders as they navigate future crises and work to promote positive public health outcomes.