Spiritual leadership in SMEs: unleashing innovation and knowledge-sharing through workplace spirituality

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of spiritual leadership (SPL) on both innovative work behavior (IWB) and knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB), while examining the mediating role of workplace spirituality (WPS), specifically from the perspective of managers working in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Managerial perspectives are emphasized due to their unique role in shaping, implementing and modeling SPL practices across the organization. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted quantitative methodology, and data were collected randomly by utilizing an online questionnaire survey. Four hundred responses were found completed and usable. Findings The study found that SPL directly impacts IWB, However, no direct impact of SPL on KSB was found. WPS mediates the relationship between SPL and both IWB and KSB in SMEs. Originality/value In addition to contributing to the growing body of knowledge on the influence of SPL on innovation within SMEs, this study identified a novel mediation role of WPS in bridging the relationship between SPL and both IWB and KSB. In addition, it challenges existing literature by demonstrating that SPL has an indirect effect on KSB through WPS.