Title: Is ostracism impeding spiritual leaders' efforts to innovate and engage?

Authors: Swati Chaudhary; Patiraj Kumari

Addresses: Faculty of Management Studies, Gurukul Kangri Deemed to be University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249404, India ' Faculty of Management Studies, Gurukul Kangri Deemed to be University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249404, India

Abstract: This study looks into both the direct and indirect links between spiritual leadership (SL) and innovative work behaviour (IWB), as well as the mediating role of work engagement (WE). Furthermore, the role of WE and workplace ostracism (WO) as mediating moderators is being studied. Hypotheses are tested using data from 214 hotel employees. SL was found to be positively connected with IWB via WE. Furthermore, the positive relationship between SL and IWB weakened when WO was high. In addition, the indirect impact of WE were reduced. Two theoretical approaches are presented in this study. The conservation of resources theory investigates how WO jeopardises a positive relationship between two critical organisational resources (SL and IWB). The reciprocal relationship between SL and WE are also investigated in line with social exchange theory. The conclusions of this study suggest that leaders take steps to eliminate WO, improve SL, and promote ties with employees.

Keywords: spiritual leadership; innovative work behaviour; IWB; work engagement; workplace ostracism; social exchange theory; SET; conservation of resource theory; COR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2025.146483

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2025 Vol.40 No.3, pp.244 - 264

Received: 14 May 2022
Received in revised form: 07 Sep 2022
Accepted: 16 Sep 2022
Published online: 02 Jun 2025 *

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