Servant Leadership on the Path to Organizational Innovation: A Psychological Analysis of Transformative Mediating Mechanisms

Document Type : Quantitative Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Farhangian, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jsa.2025.144162.2599

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Grounded in social cognitive theory and organizational behavior literature, this study examines the relationship between servant leadership and innovative work behavior, with an emphasis on the mediating roles of creative self-efficacy and affective commitment. While prior research has established links between leadership styles and innovation, limited attention has been paid to the psychological mechanisms through which servant leadership fosters innovation in educational settings. This study addresses this gap by proposing a model that integrates both intrapersonal and organizational factors. Methodology: A descriptive-correlational design was employed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all primary school teachers in Javanrood City during the 2024–2025 academic year, with 219 participants selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using four standardized instruments: Allen and Meyer’s Affective Commitment Scale, Karwowski et al.’s Creative Self-Efficacy Scale, the Servant Leadership Questionnaire by Gholipour and Hazrati, and Janssen’s Innovative Work Behavior Questionnaire. Analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Findings: The findings showed that the research model, which aimed to predict innovative work behavior based on servant leadership, with creative self-efficacy and affective commitment as mediators, was a good fit. Additionally, servant leadership significantly influenced innovative work behavior through both mediators (p < .01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that innovative behaviors are shaped not only by elements of servant leadership but also by intrapersonal factors such as creative self-efficacy and emotional commitment. Enhancing these behaviors, therefore, requires a dual focus on both organizational dynamics and individual psychological capacities.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

References
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School Administration
Volume 13, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 128-146

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  • Receive Date: 27 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 06 June 2025

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