The impact of perceived inclusive leadership of teachers on innovative behavior among vocational college students in China: The mediating role of psychological safety

This study aims to explore the impact of teacher inclusive leadership on the innovative behavior of vocational college students in Guangdong Province, China, and to examine the mediating role of psychological safety in this process. A questionnaire survey was employed, targeting four vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, with 487 valid responses collected. The results show that there are significant differences in innovation behavior among vocational college students in Guangdong Province based on gender and grade. Students’ perceptions of teacher inclusive leadership have a significant positive impact on their innovative behavior. Such perception also has a significant positive impact on students’ psychological safety. Psychological safety significantly and positively affects students’ innovative behavior. Furthermore, psychological safety plays a significant mediating role between perceived teacher inclusive leadership and innovative behavior.