The Influence of Transformational Leadership, Cultural Orientation, and Emotional Conflict on Innovation in Multicultural Teams

Abstract

Multicultural teams represent a key strategic action that generate significant competitive advantages and innovation. The authors address the question of how transformational leadership, cultural orientation, and emotional conflict impact on multicultural teams focused on innovation. The methodology used has a quantitative and transversal approach because the measurement is carried out in a specific moment. The sample is composed by 415 multicultural-team members working in multinational companies. Results indicate that the dimension of intellectual stimulation and a horizontal hierarchy are factors that influence the team innovation. In contrast, the emotional conflict did not show a significant relationship. The positive moderating effect of organizational support on intellectual stimulation and team innovation´s relationship is proven. This study contributes significantly to international human resource management domain by leading to a better understanding of the functioning of work teams to ensure business innovation and the need for internationalization.