Abstract
This study investigated the complex relationship between empowering leadership, an
unexplored positive leadership style, playful work design, and work engagement. The aims
were to (a) examine the mediating effect of playful work design on the relationship between
empowering leadership and work engagement and (b) investigate the moderating effect of
creativity on the relationship between empowering leadership and playful work design. The
results showed that playful work design mediated the relationship between empowering
leadership and work engagement. Creativity did not moderate the relationship between
empowering leadership and playful work design. These findings suggest that when working
for empowering leaders, employees are likely to engage in various forms of playful work
design, increasing their engagement. Adopting a playful work design is likely for all
employees, regardless of how creative they are.
Keywords: Empowering leadership, playful work design, job resources, job demands, work
engagement, creativity.