Effect of servant leadership on employees’ innovative behavior with the mediating role of psychological empowerment and moderating role of core self-evaluation

With the development of communication technology, employees are more easily controlled by electronic monitoring systems or algorithms. In this context, servant leadership that values employees' growth needs is more likely to be recognized by them and stimulate their work enthusiasm and motivation. Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory, this study examines the effect of servant leadership on employees' innovative behavior through psychological empowerment and the moderating effect of core self-evaluation. This moderated mediation model was tested with data from 468 employees in China. Results reveal that: (1) Psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between servant leadership and employees' innovative behavior. (2) Core self-evaluation strengthens the relationship between servant leadership and psychological empowerment and the indirect impact of servant leadership on employees' innovative behavior. Findings suggest that servant leadership is related to increased innovative behavior due to its positive influence on the psychological empowerment of employees. This study highlights the importance of developing a favorable self-evaluation score.