Exploring the Mediating Role of Innovative Work Behavior on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Turnover Intention in the Software Engineering Industry in China

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership, innovative work behavior, and turnover intention among software engineers in China. A survey was conducted, and data were collected from 289 software engineers working in various Chinese software companies. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), and the results indicated that transformational leadership had a significant negative impact on turnover intention, while innovative work behavior had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between transformational leadership and turnover intention. The results of the study showed a significant negative impact of transformational leadership on turnover intention among software engineers in China. This implies that when software engineers perceive their leaders as transformational, inspiring, and supportive, they are less likely to have the intention to leave their current job. Additionally, innovative work behavior had a significant negative impact on turnover intention. These findings suggest that transformational leadership and innovative work behavior can play crucial roles in reducing employee turnover intention in the software industry.