New approaches in education and health sciences management

New approaches in education and health sciences management

The Mediating Role of Job Engagement in the Link between Leader-Member Exchange and Innovative Work Behavior: Evidence from a University

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Abolfazl Momen
Master’s Student in Public Administration, Department of Public Administration, AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran
10.22034/edus.2026.583082.1104
Abstract
Background and Objective: In complex healthcare organizations, innovative work behavior is vital for enhancing patient safety and service quality. The primary objective of this study was to explain the direct relationship between the quality of Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and the innovative work behavior of clinical staff, aiming to determine how managerial interactions can drive creative behaviors without relying on mediating psychological variables.
Methods: This study was conducted using a descriptive-correlational approach within the framework of structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of clinical staff in teaching hospitals, selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standard Leader-Member Exchange (LMX-7) and Innovative Work Behavior (Janssen) questionnaires. Following the verification of validity and reliability, the data were analyzed using statistical software to assess the direct relationships of the model.
Results: The results indicated a positive, direct, and significant relationship between the quality of Leader-Member Exchange and innovative work behavior. Findings revealed that high levels of trust, respect, and support in the leader-member relationship effectively enhance staff participation in identifying problems and proposing innovative solutions. Furthermore, path analysis demonstrated that interaction-based leadership has high predictive power for innovative behaviors in operational environments, with its impact being particularly evident in high-pressure clinical units.
Conclusion: The quality of the leader-member relationship serves as an independent driver that plays a decisive role in guiding the creativity of healthcare staff. Strengthening managers' communication skills and fostering a culture based on support and mutual trust in clinical departments is an efficient strategy for enhancing innovative performance and continuous service improvement in the health system. Investing in the development of leadership interactions can act as a management tool to transition from traditional structures toward innovative models of care.
Keywords
Leader-Member Exchange (LMX)
Innovative Work Behavior
Job Engagement
Health
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  • Receive Date 09 January 2025
  • Revise Date 15 February 2025
  • Accept Date 07 May 2024