Cultivating creativity: How servant leadership and workplace spirituality drive employee creativity in Guatemalan textile sector SMEs?

Purpose Based on the social exchange theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of workplace spirituality (WS) in the relationship between servant leadership (SL) and employee creativity (EC). Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional research design was employed to collect data from 220 employees in the textile industry in Guatemala. Structural equation modeling using SPSS AMOS 29 was applied to investigate a mediation model. Findings The results revealed that SL is significantly and positively related to EC. The results also indicated that SL promotes EC through WS. Practical implications There should be a strong emphasis on SL, WS, employee development, a creative culture, a focus on the long term and the establishment of tools to evaluate and monitor the success of these activities. These guidelines are meant to foster a work setting that rewards original thinking and helps businesses stay competitive and successful over the long term. Originality/value This study contributes to SL research by evaluating EC in the Guatemalan textile sector. Our research adds to theoretical knowledge by delving into the dimensions of WS and demonstrating the relevance of these dimensions to EC.