The aim of the research is to explore the role of transformational leadership (TL) in promoting service innovation (SI) in academic libraries in Bangladesh.
A qualitative survey using an online questionnaire was conducted with library professionals working in public and private university libraries in Bangladesh. The study employed a purposive sampling technique. A total of 54 responses were analyzed using thematic coding techniques, including open, axial, and selective coding.
The study found that four major components of TL — idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration — have a significant impact on service innovation in academic libraries. Leaders who act ethically and are committed to service innovation empower and encourage library staff to implement cutting-edge practices. A leader’s inspirational motivation guides library personnel toward shared goals, while intellectual stimulation encourages staff to think critically and develop innovative solutions to problems. Individualized consideration from leaders helps staff perform complex and challenging tasks, strengthens interpersonal connections, and enhances the collective capacity for service innovation.
This is the first study to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and service innovation from the perspective of academic library professionals. A theoretical framework, acronymized as TLSIAL, was developed based on the proposed strategies and findings, providing a foundation for future research in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field.
