Authentic leadership – a source of tacit knowledge sharing and career competence in service sector

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the correlation between authentic leadership and career competence, exploring the mediating roles of tacit knowledge sharing and employee service innovative behavior.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using convenience sampling and a time-lagged design from the Pakistani banking sector. The time-lagged design was employed to gather data at two different points in time. SPSS statistical software was used for descriptive analysis, and hypotheses were tested using Mplus.FindingsThe results demonstrate that authentic leadership has a significant positive impact on tacit knowledge sharing. This knowledge sharing, in turn, positively impacts employee service innovative behavior, which subsequently enhances career competence. Furthermore, tacit knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between authentic leadership and employee service innovative behavior.Social implicationsThis study has social implications for organizations aiming to align their inclusive goals with societal needs. The findings can help foster a culture of knowledge sharing, thereby contributing to societal innovation.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights into how authentic leadership contributes to career competence, thus enriching the existing literature on this topic.