CEO Servant Leadership Impact on Firm Innovativeness: The Role of High-performance Work Systems and Competitive Intensity

This study examines the relationships among CEO servant leadership (CSLA), high-performance work systems (HPWS), competitive intensity (CIA) and perceived firm innovativeness (FIA) in private service-oriented firms in the United Arab Emirates. Drawing on upper echelons theory, social exchange theory and the resource-based view, this study argues that CSLA may be associated with FIA not only directly but also indirectly by shaping human resource systems that develop employee ability, motivation and opportunity for innovation. In total, 384 usable responses were collected using a self-administered seven-point Likert scale questionnaire and analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). The findings show that CSLA is positively associated with HPWS but has a significant negative direct association with perceived FIA. However, the indirect association between CSLA and perceived FIA through HPWS is significant and positive, indicating inconsistent mediation or a suppression pattern. CIA strengthens the relationship between HPWS and perceived FIA, but the moderated mediation effect is not supported. This study discusses the theoretical and managerial implications and offers practical direction to practitioners in this field, as well as scholarly insights for future research directions. This study is one of the few to examine the association between CSLA and firm-level outcomes in the service-oriented sector.