Embracing Leadership Behavior for Innovation Performance in Hotel Industry During Covid – 19

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic has struck many industries, especially tourism and hotel businesses. Various creative and innovative actions should be taken to keep the sustainability of the business. Several antecedents are needed to foster innovation. This study aims to examine the influence of leadership behavior on innovation performances at five-star hotels, which are suffering their business due to the lockdown policy of the Government. The research shows that there are five distinct leadership behavior needed, namely Innovative Thinking, Staff Development, Market Sensitivity/Proactive, High Determination/Never Give Up and Courage/Calculated Risk Taking. The first two behaviors belong to the essential trait of Transformational and Servant leadership as value-based leadership. The last three behaviors are grouped into Leaders' entrepreneurial behavior. In addition, the leadership behavior was deemed insufficient in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Leaders must also have a mindset that is sensitive to the current pandemic condition (Pandemic Mindset) and Risk Tolerance to create innovation that has excellent performances. This research was conducted at two five-star hotels in Surabaya, Indonesia, affected by the road closures policy. The research uses a qualitative approach to high-rank decision makers as the resource persons, such as directors, General Manager, or owners. The data collection method was purposive sampling with in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The data confirmation is carried out to measure the accuracy of the data by interviewing employees, visitors, and documentation. In addition, this research also conducted a case study analysis of the data model.