Strategic Leadership and Organizational Innovation: Bibliometric Overview (1993-2022)

This study maps the development of the intersection between strategic leadership and organizational innovation through a bibliometric analysis of 111 Scopus-indexed articles published from 1993 to 2022. Addressing a gap in the literature, this research explores the patterns and trends of this intersection, which had not been holistically analyzed. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive identification of thematic clusters, publication trends, and key contributors to the field, providing a unique and detailed bibliometric perspective on how strategic leadership influences organizational innovation, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 and technological advancements. Our findings reveal substantial growth in scholarly interest post-2005, peaking in 2020-2021, driven by the rise of Industry 4.0 and the increasing importance of leadership in fostering organizational innovation. The United States, China, and Australia are the leading contributors, with key institutions such as Tennessee Technological University and the University of Pretoria driving research in this field. The analysis, conducted using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, identified five thematic clusters : strategic leadership traits, open innovation, leadership’s impact on firm performance, competitive advantage, and contextual factors influencing leadership. This underscores the critical role of strategic leadership in navigating technological advancements and fostering organizational adaptability. Co-citation analysis highlighted seminal works by Bantel, Hambrick, and Howell, shaping the foundational frameworks of the field. Despite the inherent limitations of bibliometric methods, the study emphasizes the need for further exploration of emerging themes, such as CEO leadership styles, ambidexterity, and grassroots innovation. The findings suggest that adaptable leadership practices and enhanced collaboration between CEOs and Boards of Directors are vital in driving innovation and shaping governance structures. These insights should inform future policy-making and encourage cross-border research collaborations in strategic leadership and innovation.