Psychological capital as a mediator of the relationship between leadership and creative performance behaviors: empirical evidence from the Indian R&D sector

Abstract

The present study examines the relationships between leadership, psychological capital and employee creative performance behaviors in the Indian research and development (R&D) context. A survey-based study was conducted in 11 government-owned R&D laboratories across India and 496 usable responses were collected. Data analyses, performed using the structural equation modeling technique, revealed that psychological capital fully mediates the relationship between leadership and creative performance behaviors. R&D leaders who display positive behaviors are more likely to aid the development of their subordinates' positive psychological capacities. Employees with higher psychological capital engage in greater creative behaviors, improving the chances of producing creative outcomes. In addition, such employees will need less supervision and will be less dependent on leadership for directions and day-to-day work. The implication for researchers and practitioners are discussed.

<p>Impact of Entrepreneurial Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior: Examining Mediation and Moderation Mechanisms</p>

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“…Within its dominant modernistic casting, resilience has frequently been associated in general terms with a 'positive' mindset or attitude i.e. resilience is generated or believed to be produced by a number of factors including 'positive psychological capacities' (Gupta and Singh, 2014). Drawing on the widely commented concept of Positive Organizational Behavior (POB) -an approach which reifies the 'positive' within understandings of resilience - Youssef & Luthans (2007) suggest that: 'what is good about life is as genuine as what is bad and therefore deserves equal attention'.…”

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“…In India, most studies in POP have been conducted on psychological capital (Psy-Cap). Gupta and Singh (2014) found that PsyCap (hope, optimism, resilience and self-efficacy) fully mediates the relationship between leadership and creativity in the R&D context. R&D leaders who display behaviors of task-orientation, recognizing and inspiring, team building, empowering and leading by example, considered to be important by Indian employees helps employees develop PsyCap.…”

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