Influence Mechanism of Spiritual Leadership on the Innovative Behavior of R&D Personnel in the Chinese Context

Abstract

Spiritual leadership is identified as an effective factor in promoting employees’innovative behavior. However, in China, this process may be influenced by both organizational and group factors. This study develops a moderated mediation model to examine the mechanisms by which spiritual leadership affects the innovative behavior of R&D personnel, drawing from a combined perspective of career calling and organizational support. Data are collected through matched-pair surveys from 513 R&D employees and their line leaders across innovative organizations in Beijing, Shenzhen, Harbin, and Xi'an. Data analysis is conducted using SPSS 22.0 and LISREL 8.5. The findings indicate that spiritual leadership positively influences the innovative behavior of R&D personnel. Furthermore, career calling serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between spiritual leadership and innovative behavior. This mediating process is positively moderated by relational energy and perceived organizational support for creativity; specifically, the effect of spiritual leadership on innovative behavior through career calling is significantly stronger when relational energy and perceived organizational support for creativity are high.

Keywords

spiritual leadership / career calling / innovative behavior of R&D personnel / perceived organizational support for creativity / relational energy

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2024 Higher Education Press