The effects of ethical leadership on work engagement, intrapreneurship, and service innovation behavior: sample of chambers of commerce and industry

Abstract

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to reveal the effects of ethical leadership on work engagement, intrapreneurship and service innovation behavior with a qualitative method based on social exchange theory. Thus, it is possible to obtain knowledge on the cultural structure of the chambers of commerce and industry.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the study consisted of 568 employees in chambers of commerce and industry affiliated to the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey operating in Turkey. A phenomenological research method was adopted in this research. Four open-ended questions were asked to the participants. A coding process (conceptualization, classification, component analysis) was used in data analysis.FindingsAccording to the qualitative analysis results, findings showed the association between ethical leadership, work engagement, intrapreneurship and service innovation behavior. The common theme proposed by the participants was management, ethical leadership and human resources. The study reveals the importance of ethical leadership in chambers of commerce and industry.Originality/valueThis is the first study that reveals the effects of ethical leadership on work engagement, intrapreneurship and service innovation behavior of the chambers of commerce and industry. Theoretical background, discussion, managerial implications, limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed.