Examining the influence of the leader on innovation: The aviation industry

In this study, it is aimed to examine the effect of the leadership types exhibited by the managers operating in the aviation sector on the innovative work behaviors of the employees. The sample of the study carried out in the relational screening model consisted of a total of 385 participants selected by the convenience sampling method from the employees of the airline companies operating at Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport. In the study, primary data were collected using a questionnaire including the Leadership Styles Scale and the Innovative Work Behaviors Scale. SPSS 24.0 software was used in the analysis of the obtained data. Within the scope of the study, frequency analysis, validity analysis, reliability analysis, normality analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis and difference analysis (t-test and ANOVA) were performed, respectively. As a result of the analysis, it has been determined that democratic leadership and charismatic leadership have positive and significant effects on innovative work behaviors. On the other hand, it was determined that autocratic leadership, humanistic leadership and bureaucratic leadership did not have significant effects on innovative work behaviors. In addition, it was concluded that the level of leadership styles and innovative work behaviors did not differ significantly according to the gender, age, education level and seniority of the participants.