The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Authentic leadership is increasingly recognized as a predictor of innovative work behavior, yet the psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions underlying this relationship remain fragmented across isolated empirical studies. This systematic review aims to synthesize the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior, identify the mediating mechanisms and moderating boundary conditions, and propose an integrative multi-theoretical framework. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and APA PsycNet identified 20 studies published between 2020 and 2025. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Narrative thematic synthesis organized findings through three complementary theoretical lenses: Social Exchange Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Person-Environment Fit Theory. The large majority of studies reported a significant positive association between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior. Twelve mediating variables were organized into three clusters: relational mechanisms (leader-member exchange, identification with leader, employee loyalty, employee creativity), psychological resource mechanisms (proactive personality, psychological capital, flow at work, psychological empowerment), and contextual alignment mechanisms (work engagement, innovation climate, readiness for change, work-family enrichment). Four moderating variables were identified, revealing substitution and enhancement patterns. The integrative framework demonstrates that no single theory adequately explains the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative work behavior. The predominantly cross-sectional evidence base and same-source self-report measures represent important methodological limitations that qualify the strength of causal inferences. Authentic leadership is consistently associated with innovative work behavior through multiple complementary pathways. Future research should employ longitudinal and multi-source designs to validate the proposed framework.