Title: Exploring the nexus of self-leadership, innovative work behaviour, and mediating goal processes within small and medium-sized enterprises

Authors: Muhammad Imran; Li Ji Zu; Sher Bano

Addresses: College of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT), Taiyuan 030024, China ' College of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT), Taiyuan 030024, China ' College of Economics and Management, Taiyuan University of Technology (TYUT), Taiyuan 030024, China

Abstract: This study explores the dynamics between self-leadership and innovative work behaviour in small and medium-sized enterprises, investigating the mediating roles of goal striving and goal crafting. Utilising advanced quantitative techniques, especially Smart PLS 4 for data analysis, our results reveal that self-leadership significantly enhances innovative work behaviour, both directly and indirectly through employees' self-initiated goal crafting. Interestingly, self-leadership also positively influences goal striving. However, the study identifies a non-significant impact of goal striving on innovative work behaviour. These findings contribute to employee leadership literature and offer actionable insights for managers aiming to foster creative work behaviour. Recognising the importance of self-initiated goal crafting in mediating these relationships can guide strategies to optimise organisational effectiveness and enhance employee performance within small-sized enterprises.

Keywords: self-leadership; innovative work behaviour; IWB; goal striving; goal crafting; GC; small and medium-sized enterprises; SME's; Smart PLS 4.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWI.2025.147770

International Journal of Work Innovation, 2025 Vol.6 No.3, pp.209 - 228

Received: 10 Oct 2023
Accepted: 20 Nov 2023
Published online: 31 Jul 2025 *

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