THE IMPACT OF INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOR ON TASK PERFORMANCE: MODERATING ROLE OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP – IT SECTOR COMPANIES, WESTERN PROVINCE SRI LANKA

Abstract

This study looks into how Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) is related to Task Performance (TP) in the IT sector of Sri Lanka while analyzing the moderating role of Transformational Leadership (TL). Social Exchange Theory (SET) is adopted to explore how transformational leadership are moderating the relationship for innovative work behavior and task performance. Data for the survey were collected from respondents working in the IT industry of the Western Province, which is one of the most technologically advanced areas in the country. This study utilized the Cross-sectional survey design for research, data was gathered using a structured questionnaire administered to 430 randomly sampled employees. Quantitative analyses were done with SPSS: descriptive statistics, correlations, and regressions have been carried out. The results show TL to be a significant moderator of the IWB's effect on TP. This study provides practical guidance to IT firms in emerging economies in enhancing their competitiveness through Transformational leadership and innovation. Apart from contributing to theoretical and practical discourses, the insights would also lay the foundation for future research while providing organizations with strategies through which leadership-driven innovation can be cultivated for sustained growth and success.