Igniting innovative: how transformational leadership and job crafting empower innovative among Iraqi nurses in public hospitals

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to study the effect of transformational leadership (TL) and job crafting (JC) on nurses' innovative work behaviors (IWB) while accounting for the mediating effect of psychological empowerment (PsyEmp). Design/methodology/approachTo test the developed hypotheses quantitatively, two statistical methods were used: structural equation modeling via partial least squares and bootstrapping estimation. The survey elicited responses from 270 nurses, but after data screening, only 168 were used. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish the distinctness of the variables used in this study. FindingsFindings indicate that there are a positive influence of both TL and JC on PsyEmp. Additionally, the findings show a beneficial effect of PsyEmp as a mediator between TL, JC and IWB. Originality/valueThis study adds to the body of knowledge by demonstrating the effects of nurse TL and JC on nurses' PsyEmp and IWB. In addition to the role of PsyEmp as a partial mediator in the relationship between TL, JC and IWB. The research novelty resides in the fact that none of these links has before been studied in the context of Iraq.