The Relationship Between Transactional and Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles and Employee Innovative Behavior

This study analyzes the relationship between leadership style and innovative work behavior of employees in companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 116 respondents employed in various sectors within the territory of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data were collected using a written survey technique through an adapted questionnaire based on the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the scale for measuring innovative work behavior (De Jong & Den Hartog, 2010). Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha), and correlation analysis were applied for data processing. The results indicate that the transactional leadership style is more pronounced compared to the laissez-faire leadership style. The levels of innovative work behavior of employees showed the highest values in the dimensions of idea exploration and idea generation, while idea promotion and idea implementation were less represented. The correlation analysis revealed that there are statistically significant, but generally low to moderate positive relationships between leadership styles and innovative work behavior. The strongest interrelationships were observed among the different dimensions of innovative work behavior, confirming that innovative activities constitute an interconnected process. Based on the findings, it was confirmed that a high level of innovative work behavior is not present in companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The obtained results suggest the need for the development of more contemporary leadership styles and an organizational culture that encourages innovation.