The influence of transformational leadership and job satisfaction on organizational innovation in Iraqi higher education: a review

Abstract

This paper presents the review of literature regarding transformational leadership, employee’s job satisfaction and organizational innovation in the context of higher education institutions in Iraq. The research highlights that transformational leadership is an essential ingredient to achieve organizational innovation. Further, innovation requires satisfied employees. Transformational leadership through its idealized influence, considerate behavior and intellectual stimulation not only help raise the morale of the employees but also empowers them to take critical decisions much needed for an innovative organization. There are numerous studies that discuss leadership styles, innovation and job satisfaction, yet it is rarely to see the research done on interrelationship between transformational leadership style, organizational innovation and employees’ job satisfaction. While empirical evidence exists regarding aspects of these variables, these gaps in the literature remain. Thus, the paper is an attempt to fill this gap.