This study aims to empirically examine the structural mechanisms of empowering leadership, psychological safety, knowledge sharing intention, and innovative work behavior. It also seeks to verify the mediating effects of psychological safety and knowl...
This study aims to empirically examine the structural mechanisms of empowering leadership, psychological safety, knowledge sharing intention, and innovative work behavior. It also seeks to verify the mediating effects of psychological safety and knowledge sharing intention on the relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior. To this end, data were collected via an online survey of 420 employees from domestic companies. Analysis was conducted using Mplus, Jamovi, and JASP software.
The research findings are as follows. First, empowering leadership was found to have a positive (+) effect on psychological safety. Second, empowering leadership did not have a statistically significant positive (+) effect on knowledge sharing intention. Third, empowering leadership was found not to have a positive (+) effect on innovative work behavior. Fourth, psychological safety was found to have a positive (+) effect on knowledge sharing intention. Fifth, social safety significantly positively influenced innovative work behavior. Sixth, knowledge sharing intention was found to positively influence innovative work behavior. Seventh, psychological safety was found to mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior. Eighth, the mediating effect of knowledge sharing intention in the relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior was not significant. Finally, the dual mediating effect of psychological safety and knowledge sharing intention was statistically significant.
Based on these findings, the following implications are derived. First, by empirically clarifying the dual mediating effect of psychological safety and knowledge sharing intention in the relationship between empowering leadership and innovative work behavior, this study expands upon fragmented approaches in existing research and empirically confirms the applicability of self-determination theory. Second, by demonstrating that an individual's perceived psychological safety induces innovative work behavior through the mediating variable of knowledge sharing intention, this study expands the micro-level applicability of psychological safety research. Third, workshops or coaching programs are needed that go beyond merely learning delegation techniques, aiming instead to expand member autonomy, strengthen intrinsic motivation, and establish an organizational culture that respects opinions. Additionally, a system is required for regular leadership assessments and feedback to ensure leadership behaviors are perceived fairly by members.