In this study, we compared and analyzed the influence of self-leadership on innovative behavior and the mediating effect of job satisfaction among R&D practitioners in manufacturing and information communication technology (ICT) industries. To accomplish this, we conducted an online survey using random sampling methods and collected data from 209 respondents. We employed exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and mediation analysis using SPSS 20.0 software to analyze the data and to compare differences between the manufacturing and ICT sectors. The research findings are as follows: Firstly, both in manufacturing and ICT sectors, self-leadership showed significant positive correlations with job satisfaction and innovative behavior. Secondly, in the analysis of the impact of self-leadership on innovative behavior, in the manufacturing sector, only natural reward strategy and constructive thought strategy showed significant positive effects, while in the ICT sector, behavioral-oriented strategy, natural reward strategy, and constructive thought strategy all showed significant positive effects. Thirdly, in the analysis of the impact of self-leadership on job satisfaction, in the manufacturing sector, only natural reward strategy and constructive thought strategy showed significant positive effects, while in the ICT sector, behavioral-oriented strategy and natural reward strategy showed significant positive effects. Fourthly, in the analysis of the impact of job satisfaction on innovative behavior, significant positive effects were observed in both manufacturing and ICT sectors, with manufacturing sector having relatively greater impact than ICT sector. Lastly, the results of the analysis on the mediating effect of job satisfaction indicate that in the manufacturing sector, only a constructive thinking strategy significantly influences, showing partial mediating effects. However, in the ICT sector, no mediating effects of job satisfaction were observed for any sub-factors of self-leadership. These research findings highlight differences in the mechanisms of action of self-leadership on innovative behavior and its mediating effects between the manufacturing and ICT sectors. Furthermore, the results suggest the importance of improving organizational strategies and culture towards promoting leadership, job design, and job satisfaction, considering the characteristics of each industry and research and development organization.