The relationship between creative leadership and job satisfaction: An empirical investigation in public directorates in Duhok province, Iraq

Human resources play a vital role in the growth and sustainability of any organization, as they are responsible for managing the most valuable asset—its people. Effective of human resources management involves fostering a work environment that promotes creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction among employees. Creative leadership has emerged as a crucial component in this context, as it encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, enabling organizations to adapt to dynamic market conditions and drive growth. A creative leader motivates employees to think beyond conventional boundaries, supports new ideas, and nurtures a culture of collaboration and open communication. This approach is essential for achieving high levels of job satisfaction, which is a key indicator of an organization's health and success. This thesis investigates the role of creative leadership in achieving job satisfaction within the directorates of government institutions in Duhok Province, Iraq. The study explores the extent to which creative leadership practices are implemented and their impact on employees' job satisfaction levels. The research is based on an analytical approach, utilizing quantitative methods, including surveys with government employees across various departments. Key aspects of creative leadership, such as sensitivy to problems, originality, fluency, flexibility, perseverance and risk are examined to determine how they influence employees' perceptions of their job satisfaction. Specifically, employees reported higher satisfaction when their leaders demonstrated the ability to address problems effectively, encourage creativity, offer multiple solutions, adapt to changing situations, persist through challenges, and take calculated risks. The study supports all five hypotheses, confirming that these creative leadership qualities play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment and improving employee well-being. Based on these results, the study recommends that government institutions invest in leadership development programs focused on enhancing these traits to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organizational performance. Additionally, future research could explore the long-term effects of creative leadership on job satisfaction in other sectors and regions. Keywords: Human Resources, Organization, Creative Leadership, Job Satisfaction, Government İnstitutions.