The Impact of Innovative Thinking as a Mediating Variable on the Relationship Between Inspirational Leadership and Achieving Competitive Advantage in Microfinance Banks in Marib Governorate

The study aimed to identify the impact of inspirational leadership (strategic vision, self-confidence, change management, environmental transformations, employee empowerment), with innovative thinking (authenticity, fluency, flexibility) as a mediating variable, on achieving competitive advantage (quality, cost, profitability) in microfinance banks in Marib Governorate. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the study population consisted of (7) banks. A questionnaire was used for data collection from a sample of (110) individuals; (103) questionnaires were retrieved and valid for analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis methods via the SPSS program. Key results confirmed a significant impact of inspirational leadership on innovative thinking, and of both inspirational leadership and innovative thinking on achieving competitive advantage. The dimensions of strategic vision, change management, and environmental transformations were the most influential on innovative thinking. Recommendations include increasing focus on inspirational leadership to stimulate innovation, involving employees and clients in decision-making to achieve a competitive advantage in the unstable operating environment, and placing greater emphasis on the quality dimension of competitive advantage.