THE ROLE OF LEADER-FOLLOWER RELATIONSHIPS ON EMPLOYEE INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOUR IN SMES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA​

In this study, we investigated and explored the role of leader-follower relationships on employee innovative behaviour in SMEs in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Based on Social Cognitive Theory and other leadership theories, we followed an explanatory research approach and collected data from 266 respondents using structured questionnaires. We conducted correlation and regression analyses to examine the relationship between the variables in the research. We found a strong and significant positive relationship between employee innovative behaviour and leader-follower relationships (R = 0.729, R² = 0.532) and we found that good relationships between leaders and followers promote trust, communication, collaboration, and creativity in employees. It thus suggests that SME managers strengthen positive relationships with employees so that an environment of innovation is created.