Title: Fostering innovation in the Southern Indian IT sectors: the mediating role of thriving at work and trust in leader in inclusive leadership

Authors: G. Devapriyanga; R. Subashini

Addresses: VIT Business School, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India ' VIT Business School, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

Abstract: This study explores the influence of inclusive leadership on innovative work behaviour, considering the mediating factors trust in leader and thriving at work, drawing on the optimal distinctiveness theory. The survey, conducted with convenience sampling, included 354 participants employed in the southern region of Indian IT sectors. We scrutinised the suggested serial mediation model using PLS-SEM. The findings indicated that inclusive leadership has a positive influence innovative work behaviour, trust in leader and thriving at work. Furthermore, trust in leader and thriving at work sequentially mediate the relationship between inclusive leadership and innovative work behaviour. The reliability of the outcomes may be affected by the limited sample size and cross-sectional design. These findings suggest that organisations can enhance innovative work behaviour by adopting inclusive leadership, fostering trust, and promoting employee thriving. Aligned with optimal distinctiveness theory, inclusive leadership inspires employees, builds trust, and nurtures a thriving work environment, driving innovation.

Keywords: inclusive leadership; innovative work behaviour; thriving at work; trust in leader; optimal distinctiveness theory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2025.146009

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2025 Vol.22 No.1, pp.29 - 51

Received: 16 Apr 2024
Accepted: 06 Dec 2024
Published online: 01 May 2025 *

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