Entrepreneurial Leadership, Work Engagement, and Innovative Work Behavior: The Moderating Role of Gender
Purpose: This research examines the effect of entrepreneurial leadership on innovative work behavior and the mediation of work engagement in that relationship. Additionally, it evaluates the moderation of gender in this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach: We use data from medium-sized companies in Guayaquil and Quito in Ecuador. Through the use of a structural equation model, we analyze the mediating effect of work engagement in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and innovative behavior and the moderating role of gender. Findings: The results show that entrepreneurial leadership has a significant positive impact on innovative behavior. Likewise, we find evidence for a significant mediation effect of work engagement in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and innovative work behavior. Additionally, gender moderation is verified, showing that the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on innovative behavior is stronger in women than in men. Originality/value: This study proposes a new model considering three constructs—entrepreneurial leadership, work engagement, and innovative work behavior—which will serve future research on these topics. With these findings, we contribute new knowledge to both the scientific community and the management of firms.