Komala Inggarwati

Innovative work behavior among lecturers is essential for promoting creativity and academic excellence in higher education, especially during rapid technological and pedagogical changes. This study examines the influence of growth mindset, organizational climate, and digital leadership on innovative work behavior, with creative process engagement as a mediating variable. A quantitative approach was employed, involving 200 lecturers from social sciences and humanities faculties at six major private universities in Surabaya, Indonesia. The sample was selected due to its diverse academic backgrounds and active involvement in institutional innovation. Data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) confirmed both direct and mediated effects of the independent variables on innovative work behavior. The results indicate that growth mindset (T = 3.21, p < 0.05) and digital leadership (T = 4.02, p < 0.01) have significant direct effects. Most importantly, creative process engagement significantly mediates these relationships. Sobel test results confirm strong mediation effects (T = 4.910 for digital leadership, 4.683 for growth mindset, and 2.951 for organizational climate; all p < 0.01). Creative process engagement accounts for 47.94% of the effect of digital leadership, 43.53% of organizational climate, and 31.84% of growth mindset on innovative work behavior, explaining 76.1% of its variance. These findings highlight the transformative role of creative process engagement in enhancing innovative work behavior. They suggest that fostering a growth mindset, supportive organizational climate, and strong digital leadership – alongside active creative engagement – can significantly boost innovation among lecturers in higher education institutions.