This study aims to expand leadership theory by examining how transformational leadership fosters innovative capability within organizations, particularly in higher education. Innovative capability serves as a mediating mechanism linking transformational leadership to enhanced creativity and performance. This research focuses on improving the performance of human resource (HR) lecturers in the education sector. Using a sample of 100 lecturers, data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show a significant positive effect of transformational leadership on both innovative capability and HR performance. Furthermore, innovative capability was found to mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and lecturer performance. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating innovation-oriented leadership to enhance the performance of academic professionals. It is recommended that higher education institutions implement structured leadership development programs aimed at cultivating transformational leadership qualities among academic leaders. Such programs should emphasize visionary thinking, communication skills, and the ability to motivate and empower subordinates. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation is essential. This can be achieved by encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting experimentation, and recognizing creative efforts among lecturers.
Safari et al. (Wed,) studied this question.