Examining the Influence of R&D Team Leader's Goal Orientation on Team Members' Innovation Behavior: The Mediating Role of Team Climate

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between the goal orientation of R&D team leaders and the innovation behavior of team members, with a focus on the mediating role of team climate. Drawing upon theories of leadership, goal orientation, team dynamics, and innovation management, this study examines how different orientations of R&D team leaders (e.g., learning orientation, performance orientation) influence the innovation behavior of team members. Specifically, the research explores how leader goal orientation shapes the team climate, characterized by factors such as psychological safety, trust, communication openness, and collaboration, which in turn affect team members' propensity to engage in innovative behaviors such as idea generation, knowledge sharing, experimentation, and risk-taking. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and case studies, the study aims to provide empirical evidence supporting the hypothesized relationships and shed light on the underlying mechanisms driving these dynamics. The findings offer insights into the complex interplay between leadership, team dynamics, and innovation behavior within R&D teams, providing actionable recommendations for fostering a supportive climate for innovation and enhancing team effectiveness. By elucidating the mediating role of team climate, this research contributes to advancing our understanding of the micro-foundations of innovation in organizational settings and provides practical implications for leadership development, team management, and innovation strategy.