Exploring the effect of transformational leadership on individual creativity in e-learning : a perspective of social exchange theory

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

57 Scopus Citations
View graph of relations

Author(s)

  • Xi Zhang
  • Yuan Zhang
  • Miltiadis Lytras
  • Patricia Ordonez de Pablos
  • Wei He

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1964-1978
Journal / PublicationStudies in Higher Education
Volume43
Issue number11
Online published2 Nov 2018
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Individual creativity (IC) is regarded as the core driver of innovation in higher education. Information and communication technology supports the opportunity to study IC in the online environment. In addition, we believe that the role of transformational leadership (TL) has changed compared to the offline environment. In this research, we employ social exchange theory as our theory foundation and test the moderating effect of TL on knowledge sharing (KS), which is an important antecedent of IC in online circumstances. We designed this study in an eight-week course where teams were required to complete a project online. Two rounds of survey were performed to collect data. The results show that KS has a positive effect on IC, and TL has a significant moderate effect on the relationship between economic reward and KS. Implications for theory and practice, and limitations are also given.

Research Area(s)

  • e-learning, individual creativity, knowledge sharing, social exchange theory, Transformational leadership

Citation Format(s)

Exploring the effect of transformational leadership on individual creativity in e-learning: a perspective of social exchange theory. / Zhang, Xi; Zhang, Yuan; Sun, Yongqiang et al.
In: Studies in Higher Education, Vol. 43, No. 11, 2018, p. 1964-1978.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review