Organizational Innovation and Organizational Learning as Mediators Linking Transformational Leadership to the Performance of Community Enterprises in Western Thailand
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Abstract
This research article aims to (1) examine the levels of transformational leadership (TL), organizational innovation (OI), organizational learning (OL), and organizational performance (OP); (2) analyze the direct effects of TL, OI, and OL on OP; and (3) investigate the mediating roles of organizational innovation and organizational learning. The study employs a mixed-methods research design. In the quantitative phase, data are collected from 300 members of community enterprises in the western region of Thailand using stratified random sampling by province. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews are conducted with eight community enterprise leaders, and the data are analyzed using content analysis.
The findings are as follows: (1) All variables are rated at high levels, with mean scores of 4.39, 4.23, 4.31, and 4.20 for TL, OI, OL, and OP, respectively. (2) TL has significant positive direct effects on OI and OL, while OI and OL have significant positive direct effects on OP. (3) OI and OL serve as mediators linking TL to OP. The structural model demonstrates a good fit with the empirical data. In addition, the in-depth interview findings reflect that leaders who promote participation, openness to new ideas, and collaborative learning help drive innovation and learning within the group, which serve as key mechanisms linking TL to the performance of community enterprises.
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