Title: A review of the relationship between leadership style and innovation: insights and directions for future research

Authors: Lavanya Rastogi; Hassan Yazdifar; Ashraful Alam; Rasol Eskandari; Mohammad Al Bahloul

Addresses: Salford Business School, Salford University, UK ' Professor of Accounting and Head of Accounting, Finance and Economics Department, Bournemouth University, UK ' Department of Accounting and Finance, Salford University, UK ' Department of Accounting and Finance, Salford University, UK ' Department of Accounting and Finance, Salford University, UK

Abstract: This paper aims to critically reflect on the available literature on leadership style and innovation, and especially to assess the linkages between these variables. It starts with an overview of leadership studies, tracing the historical emergence and development of leadership theories, from the Great Man theory, trait theory and leader behaviour theory to situational and contingency theories of leadership. It then delves deeply into the transformational theory, owing to the vast amount of research focus that appears to be dedicated to this theory. The paper critically analyses the scope of transformational theory, and explores the gaps that may need refinement in order for the theory to remain relevant in the current, 21st century, business environment. The paper also discusses innovation theory and literature related to different perspectives on innovations, including the radical and disruptive views, the ambidextrous perspective, design thinking, open, lean and horizontal models, and their impacts on organisational performance. The paper finally turns to explore the linkages between managing innovation.

Keywords: leadership; innovation; management control systems; strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2019.107520

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2019 Vol.12 No.5, pp.625 - 647

Received: 11 Dec 2019
Accepted: 28 Jan 2020
Published online: 31 May 2020 *

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