IMPACT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON THE INNOVATION PERFORMANCE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAMS: CHINESE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Abstract

This study considers the Chinese automotive industry as a case study. During the accelerated transformation of the automotive industry, the influence of the innovation performance of R&D teams is crucial. Data were collected from 407 respondents. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze the data. The results show that transformational leadership mainly enhances the innovation performance of R&D teams by creating an organizational innovation atmosphere and promoting knowledge sharing rather than merely achieving this goal through direct influence. Moreover, a strong innovation atmosphere significantly improves innovation efficiency and effectiveness, whereas knowledge sharing is supportive but relatively weak in promoting innovation performance. Organizations should focus on transformational leadership behaviors, strive to create an innovative environment, and strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms to maximize innovation outcomes.