Does inclusive leadership incite innovative work behavior?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dynamic and globalized business environment incites organizations to be innovative for long-term survival. This central role of innovation provokes the continuing interest of social scientists in determining the antecedents of Innovative work behavior in organizations. OBJECTIVE: In line with the prior studies, this study aims to investigate the role of inclusive leadership in fostering employee innovative work behavior. Additionally, this study also investigates the mediating role of psychological safety. METHODS: Data were collected through a questionnaire from employees working in Pakistani banks. Hypothesized relationships were analyzed using structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The findings of the study depicted a positive relationship between inclusive leadership and IWB, while mediation of psychological safety was also established. CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to the existing literature in multiple ways. Although the link between inclusive leadership and creativity is measured but in what ways inclusive leadership develops the perception of employees, which leads towards positive outcomes is a contribution. This study extends the understanding of relational leadership by focusing on its specific dimension that is IL, instead of focusing on the broader construct of leadership.