How transformational leadership facilitates innovative behavior of Korean workers

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) and the innovative behavior of Korean workers. To this end, this paper also examines whether knowledge sharing and perceived organizational support (POS) influence the above causal relationship. Design/methodology/approach – The paper used a cross-sectional design, with questionnaires administered to 356 employees working in Korea manufacturing firms to test the relationship between TL and innovative behavior through knowledge sharing and the moderating role of POS. Findings – TL was significantly related to both employee innovative behavior and knowledge sharing. The results also shown that knowledge sharing mediated and POS positively moderated the relationship between TL and innovative behavior of employees. Research limitations/implications – Future research should examine antecedents of knowledge sharing and measure the effect of TL in other level such as team level, to enhance generalizability. Data should be also collected longitudinally, to extend the current cross-sectional design. Practical implications – Understanding the link between TL and innovative behavior with mediating and moderating factors can provide useful information to increase positive leadership outcomes and innovation performance. Originality/value – The findings point toward a positive relationship between TL and innovative behavior with mediating and moderating factors. In doing so, the paper adds to a body of work where innovative behavior was connected with leaders’ behavior and organizational-level predictors.