Innovation with flow at work: exploring the role of servant leadership in affecting innovative work behavior through flow at work

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to ascertain the role of servant leadership in inducing flow at work. The study, along with confirming the relation between flow at work and innovative work behavior (IWB), intends to explore the mediating role flow at work plays in relating servant leadership to IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection was conducted through an interviewee-administered questionnaire in three waves that were four weeks apart. The data were collected from 267 respondents. To run the measurement model and structural model, Smart-PLS was used, and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) was used to summarize the demographic information and conduct hierarchal regression.

Findings

Servant leadership is related to flow at work. Additionally, flow at work is related to IWB. Finally, flow at work mediates the relationship between servant leadership and IWB.

Originality/value

The study found servant leadership is related to flow at work. Moreover, the study unearthed the relation between flow at work and IWB. Finally, the study unveiled that flow at work acts as a mediator between servant leadership and IWB.

Citation

Khan, M.M., Mubarik, M.S., Ahmed, S.S., Islam, T. and Khan, E. (2021), "Innovation with flow at work: exploring the role of servant leadership in affecting innovative work behavior through flow at work", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 42 No. 8, pp. 1267-1281. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-05-2021-0236