Exploring the Link Between Inclusive Leadership and Project Success: The Mediating Role of Innovative Behavior

Abstract

The present research focuses on the moderating role of innovative behavior on the relationshipbetween inclusive leadership and project success. Using a survey questionnaire, datawerecollected from 264 project-based professionals across different organizations andregressionanalysis along with Hayes’ PROCESS macro were used to test the hypothesized relationships. Theresults show that inclusive leadership enhances project success and that innovative behaviorfullymediates the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. Theinclusiveleadership creates a culture that allows the employees to be involved in the problem-solvingprocess, which ultimately improves the quality of projects. The current research advancestheknowledge on leadership and project management by examining the importance of inclusiveleadership in attaining project success through innovation. From the practical perspective, itisrecommended that organizations embrace inclusive leadership practices in order tofosterinnovation and enhance organizational performance. This study contributes to the literaturebyrefining theoretical knowledge and offering practical applications for improving the effectivenessofprojects in complex organizations.

Keywords: Inclusive Leadership, Project Success, Innovative Behavior, Project Management