ABSTRACT
The study is conceptual in nature, as it focuses on innovation as a course undertaken to develop and improve products, processes and markets through creative ideas, techniques, and processes with the aim of enhancing performance of an organization. Organizational culture also plays vital role, where innovation can have direct link with organizational culture, which is by and large shaped up by organizational leadership. In this regard authentic leadership has a special role to play; therefore, the mainstay of this study is to assess and conceptualize association between organizational culture and innovation with special reference to the authentic leadership. Authentic leadership is the “bond” desired to maintain a healthy working environment. “Authenticity” is the combination of four characteristics which include: 1) optimism, 2) productive emotions,3) values and 4) acting in accordance with one’s true self. Around 114 scholarly articles were consulted to study the linkage of organizational culture and innovation especially with references to the effects of a true and authentic leaders in an organization. This was ascertained that authentic leadership can create immensely positive impact on organizational culture in general and organizational innovation in special. Finally, the study proposes a conceptual framework as a foundation for future researchers.
