The Influence of Visionary Leadership on innovation mindset of Employees in manufacturing firm: A study of 7up Nigeria Plc Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria

Abstract

Visionary leadership falters when strategic vision is not aligned with an employee's mindset, limiting the big picture goals. Hence, this study investigates the influence of visionary leadership on the innovative mindset of employees in manufacturing firms. Grounded in communication theory and leadership theory, the study draws on the linear model of communication and its evolution toward an interactive leadership model, highlighting how visionary leaders communicate goals, values, and shared meaning to inspire innovation. It examines how psychological empowerment, emotional intelligence, and strategic leadership decision-making mechanisms sharpen creativity, adaptability, and innovation-oriented behavior. A quantitative research design using a survey method was adopted. The population comprised 460 employees of 7up Nigeria Plc a manufacturing firm in Edo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire derived from validated scales. The sample size was determined by the Taro Yamane formula, 214 was the sample size. Out of 214 questionnaires distributed, 173 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses. Results revealed that visionary leadership significantly predicts innovative mindset, explaining 64.3% of the variance in innovation-related outcomes. The ANOVA (F = 101.600, p < 0.05) confirmed the model’s validity, and the Durbin–Watson statistic (1.270) indicated no serial correlation. Psychological empowerment, emotional intelligence, and strategic leadership decision-making were identified as strong predictors of creativity, competence, and performance improvement. Organizations should integrate effective communication, empowerment, and emotional intelligence training into leadership frameworks to enhance innovation capacity and business sustainability. By linking communication and leadership theories, this study advances understanding of how visionary leadership transforms communication into a strategic tool that shapes employees’ innovative mindsets, thereby promoting sustainable business development.