Unlocking employee creativity: ethical leadership, employee voice behavior and innovation climate in the era of intelligent manufacturing in China

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of ethical leadership (EL) on employee creativity (C), with a focus on examining the mediating role of employee voice behavior (EVB) and the moderating role of innovation climate (IC) in the context of intelligent manufacturing as a transformative trend in the manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were gathered through nonrandom sampling via a survey conducted among 400 skilled talents working in intelligent manufacturing across 56 enterprises located in 9 provinces in China. The primary analytical tool used was Smart-PLS. A total of 392 valid responses were included in the analysis to assess the study’s hypothesized model. Findings The results supported the hypotheses. The results of this study confirmed several important relationships: EL has a positive impact on employee creativity; EL significantly affects employees’ voice behavior; employee voice behavior is positively related to employee creativity; employee voice behavior plays an important mediating role in the relationship between EL and employee creativity; and IC positively moderates the link between employee voice behavior and employee creativity in the context of intelligent manufacturing. Originality/value This study contributes significantly to both theoretical understanding and practical implications concerning creativity within intelligent manufacturing. By uncovering the complex dynamics among EL, employee voice behavior, innovative climate and creativity, the study offers valuable insights. These insights can guide organizational leaders and policymakers in enhancing employee creativity, particularly in the age of Intelligent Manufacturing.