How Servant and Humorous Leadership Link to Innovative Behavior: Exploring the Moderating Rolr of Workplace Fun Environment

Abstract

This study aims to assess the link between servant leadership and humorous leadership with innovative behavior and a workplace fun environment as a moderator between the two paths. For data gathering, a survey design was used. In this regard, respondents who work in the service industry of Pakistan were employed with a sample of 350. The data was analyzed using Smart PLS. As per results, servant leadership and humorous leadership are linked significantly to innovative behavior. Moreover, a workplace fun environment moderates the link between the servant and humorous leadership and innovative behavior. Our study adds to the direction of leadership styles and innovative behavior in the service industry along with identifying the new aspect of the workplace's fun environment. Under the canopy of social exchange theory, servant leadership presence provides a platform for the growth and development of employees in the presence of a workplace fun environment which leads to improved innovative behavior. Thus, employees repay positively the exchanges received from their leader and environment. Finally, using the social information processing theory, the presence of humor and fun at the leadership level and workplace environment is a meaningful way to affect innovative behavior. This study contributes by providing managers an insight into the use of workplace fun environments and leadership styles as a strategy to improve innovative behavior.