Examining the nexus between transformational leadership and follower's radical creativity: the role of creative process engagement and leader creativity expectation

Purpose The primary objective of this study is to examine the nexus between transformational leadership (TL) and followers' radical creativity (FRC). In contrast, creative process engagement (CPE) and leader creativity expectation (LCE) was employed as a mediating and a moderator role, respectively. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative exploratory survey was applied as a research design, and 293 valid responses were collected from industry-university collaborative team leaders-followers. The authors performed descriptive and partial least square based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis using the SPSS 23 and Smart-PLS 3.0 package program to test the hypothesis. Findings Empirical results revealed that the TL positively and significantly influences the FRC. Therefore, the mediation of CPE bridges the relationship between TL and FRC, while the moderating role of LCE was insignificant. TL with higher CPE indirectly enhances the FRC. Research limitations/implications Unlike the prior conventional componential theory of creativity (CTC), this study extends the scope of CTC addressing CPE and LCE to investigate the nexus between TL and FRC and contributes to the current literature leaders-followers relationship. Practical implications Practically, this research contributes to the growing body of the literature demonstrating how organizations might foster radical creativity in their employees and how to inspire followers to participate in radical creativity activities that might enhance organizational performance. Originality/value This study has broadened the scope of the CTC by emphasizing the mediating function of CPE in promoting particular aspects of followers' creativity.