This study investigates the relationship between innovative work behavior (IWB) and socially responsible leadership (SRL), with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety. Data were collected from 214 employees of Ugandan public universities. The findings indicate that SRL significantly enhances followers' IWB, with psychological safety acting as a key mediator. SRL positively influences IWB by fostering a safe environment where employees feel secure to take risks and express ideas. Psychological safety is defined as the belief that one can speak up, ask questions, or admit mistakes without fear of negative consequences. The study also highlights that psychological safety enhances intrinsic motivation, which in turn promotes creative work behaviors. The research contributes to the literature by examining the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between SRL and IWB, and by providing insights into the impact of SRL in a developing country context. The study's findings suggest that fostering psychological safety is crucial for promoting innovation and creativity in the workplace. The results support the hypothesis that SRL positively influences IWB through psychological safety, and that psychological safety mediates the relationship between SRL and IWB. The study also emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and the need for organizations to cultivate a culture of psychological safety to enhance innovation and creativity. The research provides valuable insights for leaders and organizations seeking to promote innovation and creativity in the workplace.This study investigates the relationship between innovative work behavior (IWB) and socially responsible leadership (SRL), with a focus on the mediating role of psychological safety. Data were collected from 214 employees of Ugandan public universities. The findings indicate that SRL significantly enhances followers' IWB, with psychological safety acting as a key mediator. SRL positively influences IWB by fostering a safe environment where employees feel secure to take risks and express ideas. Psychological safety is defined as the belief that one can speak up, ask questions, or admit mistakes without fear of negative consequences. The study also highlights that psychological safety enhances intrinsic motivation, which in turn promotes creative work behaviors. The research contributes to the literature by examining the mediating role of psychological safety in the relationship between SRL and IWB, and by providing insights into the impact of SRL in a developing country context. The study's findings suggest that fostering psychological safety is crucial for promoting innovation and creativity in the workplace. The results support the hypothesis that SRL positively influences IWB through psychological safety, and that psychological safety mediates the relationship between SRL and IWB. The study also emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and the need for organizations to cultivate a culture of psychological safety to enhance innovation and creativity. The research provides valuable insights for leaders and organizations seeking to promote innovation and creativity in the workplace.