The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior: The Mediating Role of Artificial Intelligence Anxiety

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of artificial intelligence anxiety in the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior among healthcare professionals. In addition, the study seeks to evaluate the anxiety effects of increasingly widespread artificial intelligence applications in the healthcare sector within the context of this relationship.
Design/ methodology/approach - The study was conducted using a quantitative research design. The population consists of 22,500 healthcare employees working in a private healthcare organization operating branches in different provinces. The sample comprises 598 healthcare professionals. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis, normality tests, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis.
Findings - The findings indicate a significant and positive relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior. A negative relationship was found between transformational leadership and artificial intelligence anxiety, while artificial intelligence anxiety was negatively and significantly associated with innovative work behavior. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis reveal that artificial intelligence anxiety plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behavior.
Discussion - The findings are generally consistent with those reported in the existing literature. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of artificial intelligence anxiety in the analysis reduces the effect of transformational leadership on innovative work behavior. Based on the findings, practical recommendations are proposed to enhance transformational leadership practices within the healthcare organization included in the sample.