The influence of transformational leadership on employees' innovative behaviour in the hospitality industry: The mediating role of leader member exchange

Abstract

Th e purpose of this research is to contribute to improving the quality of service in the hospitality industry by helping to understand profoundly the premises of innovative behaviour. For this purpose, a conceptual model including transformational leadership, leader member exchange and innovative behaviour is proposed. To test the research model, data were obtained from the employees of 5-star hotels in Mugla, Turkey (n = 281). Th e data were analysed with the IBM SPSS 23 program. As a result of the Process Macro analysis, it was discovered that the transformational leader positively influenced innovative behaviour and leader member exchange had a mediating role in this relationship. Our research helps us to understand profoundly the pioneers of innovative behaviour, and will increase managers' awareness by making managerial suggestions to improve service quality in hotels.