Do Paradoxical Leader Behaviors Pave the Way to Innovative Work Behaviors?

Abstract

leader behavior (PLB) is an appropriate people management style to foster follower’ innovative behavior (IWB) within Western organizational contexts. Follower holistic thinking (HT) is examined as moderator enhancing the relation between PLB and IWB. Additionally, follower’ relational identification with the leader (RI) is investigated as potential underlying mechanisms enabling the PLB and IWB relationship. Thereby, this study attempts to fill the gap in academic literature by further clarifying the conditions and underlying mechanisms under which IWB is enabled and enhanced on the work floor. A sample of 143 Dutch/German employees provided initial evidence suggesting that although followers could identify with PLB, this leadership style might not necessarily pave the way to IWB. Results and study limitations, however, highlight the necessity for future studies to further investigate this relationship. New research directions are provided accordingly.