The influence of transformational leadership on the process of innovation in teams

Abstract

This study delves into the factors influencing the process of innovation in teams, emphasising the importance of understanding transformational leaderships’ influence in an Information Technology and Communication (ICT) organisation, and applying Transformational Leadership Theory to test how specific leadership behaviours can drive creativity, collaboration, and innovative outcomes among team members. The study employed qualitative methods in a single-case study within the ICT sector, embracing an interpretivist philosophy with an inductive approach. The findings highlight the complexities that exist in transformational leadership and the influence this has on the process of innovation in teams within a single ICT organisation in South Africa. The study underscores the importance of collaboration, communication, feedback, and customer centricity amongst other factors in the process of innovation. In addition, the study revealed the benefits associated with a leaders’ actions and attributes that foster innovative thinking in teams. In addition, the study emphasises transformational leaderships’ role for driving employees’ empowerment, development, and motivation, driving a shared vision and goal in the workplace. Insights are provided into naturing collaboration with direct teams or cross collaboration in the organisation is far reaching in encouraging group thinking and buy-in in the process of innovation, placing emphasis on shared value. The research findings enhance one’s understanding of transformational leadership and the process of innovation in teams, especially in an ICT organisation, and they provide actionable guidance for effective leadership management and improved innovation performance.