A power-with versus power-over framework of leadership behaviors, employee expectations, and employee creativity: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Drawing on a power-over versus power-with framework and implicit leadership theories, this study examines how positive relations-oriented and task-oriented leadership behaviors affect employee creativity. A meta-analysis study with 143 empirical studies ( N = 40,023) reveals that both positive relations-oriented and task-oriented leadership behaviors were positively related to employee creativity and that psychological empowerment mediated these relationships. Further, the effect of positive relations-oriented leadership behaviors on employee psychological empowerment and creativity was stronger in countries of high (rather than low) power distance, whereas the impact of task-oriented leadership behaviors was stronger in countries characterized by low (rather than high) power distance. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.