Authentically flown to innovation: authentically triggered innovative work behavior through flow at work with moderating role of creative self-efficacy

PurposeThe study aims to explore the mediating role of flow at work and moderating role of creative self-efficacy in the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior. Design/methodology/approachThe study collected data from 315 employees working in the service sector through survey design. Data analysis was done through structural equation modeling. FindingsThe findings revealed that authentic leadership is related to flow at work and innovative work behavior. Flow at work was also found to be related to innovative work behavior. Flow at work was found to mediate the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior. The study also confirmed the moderating role of creative self-efficacy in the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior. Originality/valueThe study unearthed the previously unexplored mediating role of flow at work linking authentic leadership to innovative work behavior. Additionally, it is the first study that explicated how creative self-efficacy moderates the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior; the relationship between the two is stronger when creative self-efficacy is high.