Inclusive leadership as a catalyst for employee and team performance: A systematic review of empirical evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51867/AQSSR.2.4.50Keywords:
Employee Performance, Inclusive Leadership, Innovation, Team PerformanceAbstract
This study offers a systematic review of empirical research examining inclusive leadership as a driver of employee and team performance across various organisational contexts. It analyses studies published between 2015 and 2025. The initial search retrieved 138 records, which were then screened down to 22 studies for the final synthesis. The review outlines key mechanisms through which inclusive leadership impacts performance, including innovative work behaviour, work engagement, organisational commitment, and effective diversity management. The review outlines key mechanisms through which inclusive leadership impacts performance, including innovative behaviour, work engagement, organisational commitment, and effective diversity management. This study relied on Social Identity Theory (SIT). Results consistently show that inclusive leaders foster supportive and psychologically safe environments, allowing employees to share ideas, take risks, and collaborate, which boosts creativity, adaptability, and overall job performance. At the team level, inclusive leadership addresses challenges related to workforce diversity, promotes cohesion, and enhances collective problem-solving skills. Evidence also indicates that inclusive leadership produces better outcomes compared to traditional autocratic or directive styles. The review highlights the importance of inclusive leadership in expanding social exchange and self-determination theories while providing practical insights for organisational policies and leadership development. By embedding inclusive practices, organisations can turn diversity into a strategic advantage, encourage sustained engagement, and improve individual and team performance. This review presents inclusive leadership as a transformative approach that can drive innovation, foster equity, and support sustainable organisational success across diverse sectors and cultures. The study recommends that organisations should adopt inclusive leadership as a strategic approach to enhance their performance, engagement, and innovation.
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