Innovative work behaviour induced by transformational leadership through altruism

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of altruism in the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour. Data was collected from innovative employees and their supervisors in 162 Malaysian innovative SMEs using a self-administered questionnaire. The findings showed a significant relationship between TL and altruism, which partially mediated the link between TL and IWB. Altruism's link to IWB was stronger for women than men. Also, the link between TL and altruism was stronger for those who had higher scores of perceived organisational support. Altruism has been denied relevance to business operations. Therefore, replicating this study in other contexts would allow a better understanding of altruism's contribution to employee innovativeness. Considering the high rate of failure, SMEs have no choice but to be innovative. The findings help SMEs to succeed through employee altruistic behaviour which possibly leads to IWB. The role of leaders in this regard is significant.