Journal of Social Research
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2026): Journal of Social Research

The Effect of Authentic Leadership on Psychological Capital, Work Engagement, and Innovative Behavior

Melati Kusuma Wardhani (Universitas Esa Unggul, Indonesia)
Lia Amalia (Universitas Esa Unggul, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 May 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of authentic leadership on psychological capital, work engagement, and innovative behavior among employees in service-based startup companies in Indonesia. In addition, this study examines the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between authentic leadership and work engagement, as well as the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative behavior. This research uses a quantitative approach with a survey method involving 140 employees selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0. The results show that authentic leadership has a positive and significant effect on psychological capital and work engagement. Psychological capital also has a significant positive effect on work engagement and acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between authentic leadership and work engagement. Furthermore, work engagement has a strong positive effect on innovative behavior and mediates the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative behavior. These findings indicate that authentic leadership plays a strategic role in enhancing employees’ psychological conditions and engagement, which in turn fosters innovative behavior. This study contributes to the development of human resource management and organizational behavior literature, particularly in the context of dynamic startup environments.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijsr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Social Research is a double blind peer-reviewed academic journal and open access to social and scientific fields. The journal is published monthly by International Journal Labs. The Journal of Social Research provides a means for sustained discussion of relevant issues that fall ...