Creative Leadership: A Critical and Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This study systematically reviews current research on creative leadership within organisational settings. While its importance is increasingly recognised, existing studies remain dispersed across disciplines, limiting a clear understanding of its scope and impact. The purpose of this review is to synthesise existing knowledge and organise it into coherent themes. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach, a comprehensive search of Scopus and Web of Science was conducted with the keyword “creative leadership.” From this process, 69 relevant articles were selected, reviewed by experts, and categorised into four main themes: (1) roles of creative leadership, (2) dimensions and contexts, (3) impact on organisational performance, and (4) dynamic mechanisms. The findings reveal that creative leadership fosters innovation, collaboration, and intrapreneurship, while strengthening organisational adaptability and culture. It significantly enhances performance by improving flexibility and supporting employee creativity. Furthermore, creative leadership enables organisations to navigate complex challenges such as digital transformation and crisis management through proactive behaviours and interdisciplinary collaboration. In conclusion, creative leadership is shown to be a critical driver of sustained organisational success, and future research is recommended to examine its applications across diverse industries and global contexts.