Inspiriting Innovation: The Effects of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) on Innovative Behavior as Mediated by Mindfulness and Work Engagement

Rowan Mulligan, José Ramos, Pilar Martín and Ana Zornoza
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Rowan Mulligan: IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
José Ramos: IDOCAL, University of Valencia and IVIE, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Pilar Martín: Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Ana Zornoza: IDOCAL, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: Continuous innovation has become a key to gaining a sustainable competitive advantage for organizations in the 21st century. By focusing on the underlying mechanisms (i.e., mindfulness and work engagement) by which it works, this study addresses the quality of leader–member relationships and their relevance for innovation in the workplace. Using a sample of 210 employees from 17 Spanish companies, a two-wave longitudinal design evaluated the mediational roles of mindfulness and engagement between leader–member exchange (LMX) quality and innovative work behavior (IWB) in an organizational context. Over the course of a year, two questionnaires were administered to measure LMX quality, mindfulness, engagement, and IWB. Results from structural equation modeling provided support for the hypothesized double-mediation model with a significant full double mediation. Findings suggested that mindfulness and engagement could be characteristic mechanisms of high-quality LMX that helps to facilitate innovation. Practical implications include its creative value in gaining a competitive edge over market competitors and helping organizations to find a sustainable source for their consistent growth through their human capital and innovative potential.

Keywords: leader–member exchange; mindfulness; work engagement; innovative work behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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