Empowering leadership and innovative work behavior: the mediating effects of climate for initiative and job autonomy in Moroccan SMEs

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to explore the role empowering leadership, organizational climate for initiative and job autonomy in spurring innovative work behavior (IWB). Design/methodology/approach This study resorted structural equation modeling technique along Bayesian estimation approach analyze mediating leadership-IWB link data gathered from CEOs, middle managers non-managerial employees 444 small medium enterprises Morocco. Findings findings revealed that leadership is a prerequisite IWB as subordinates, who are empowered by their leaders, demonstrate IWB. Further, mediate link. Practical implications research has demonstrated firms leaders seek make should adopt practices, build an favorable initiative-taking grant with way they carry out tasks. Originality/value extends our understanding on mechanisms linking testing effects autonomy.