Self-leadership and innovative work behavior: parallel mediation by creative self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation

Purpose This study examines how self-leadership influences employees' innovative work behavior in Pakistan's information technology and software sectors, with particular attention to the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on self-determination theory, the study tests a parallel mediation model in which creative self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation transmit the effect of self-leadership on innovative work behavior. Survey data were collected using a two-wave time-lagged design from 360 employees across multiple regions of Pakistan. The hypothesized relationships were analyzed using Hayes' PROCESS macro. Findings The findings depict that self-leadership has a significant positive effect on employees' innovative work behavior. Creative self-efficacy emerges as a robust mediating mechanism in this relationship, indicating that confidence in one's creative capabilities plays a central role in translating self-leadership into innovation. Although self-leadership is positively associated with intrinsic motivation, its mediating effect on innovative behavior is not statistically significant, suggesting that motivational processes may operate differently in high-pressure, deadline-driven technology environments. Research limitations/implications Despite the use of a time-lagged design, causal inferences should be made with caution. Future research may adopt longitudinal designs and examine additional industries and cultural contexts to enhance generalizability. Practical implications Organizations are urged to invest in self-leadership development initiatives and competence-enhancing practices. Providing meaningful feedback, autonomy, and growth opportunities can strengthen creative self-efficacy and support innovative behavior. Originality/value This study advances innovation research by positioning self-leadership as a key antecedent of innovative work behavior and clarifying creative self-efficacy as its primary psychological mechanism within the IT and software context.