The association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Aim To measure the association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours through social exchange theory. Background The field of nursing is actively advocating innovation. Other fields have proven that leader–member exchange and team–member exchange can promote innovative behaviour, but such an association is not clear in nursing. Design A cross‐sectional study. Methods A total of 560 nurses were selected from five tertiary hospitals in Henan Province (China) by multistage sampling. Data were collected from a self‐report questionnaire. Thirty nurses in the pre‐survey were used to verify the validity of the questionnaire. SPSS PROCESS macro was used to verify the association of leader–member exchange and team–member exchange with nurses' innovative behaviours. Results Leader–member exchange and team–member exchange were significantly associated with nurses' innovative behaviours, and team–member exchange had a mediating effect on the relationship between leader–member exchange and innovative behaviour. Conclusions Leader–member exchange and team–member exchange positively affect nurses' innovative behaviours. Leader–member exchange can promote nurses' innovative behaviours through the mediating role of team–member exchange. Impact This study indicated that leader–member exchange and team–member exchange should be given more attention in promoting nurses' innovative behaviours. This finding has implications for the promotion of innovative behaviours in nurses. Leaders need to focus on the innovative needs of nurses and offer support. Meanwhile, leadership training programs are necessary for managers to create positive team relationships. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public involvement.