Cultivating a creative ecosystem: the role of inclusive leadership in educational success

This research examines the association between inclusive leadership, teacher happiness, and the institute climate for creativity in the context of Malaysian education. The study adopted a quantitative research design, and data were gathered from 419 teachers from different educational institutes. The results reveal that inclusive leadership increases teacher creativity and teacher happiness, and institute culture for creativity mediates this path. Also, the moderating effects of polychronicity show that individual differences should be taken into account to enhance teachers' creativity. This research contributes to the development of an integrated approach based on the emotional, cognitive, and organizational approaches that explain the impact of leadership on creativity in the educational setting. The implications stress the importance of educational leaders practicing and promoting a culture that is welcoming for all teachers while at the same time promoting their welfare, thus resulting in better teaching and learning. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on leadership and creativity and provides important implications for practitioners and policymakers who seek to improve the level of innovation in education.