Attitudes Toward R&D and Patenting Intensity: The Moderating Role of Perceptions of the Firm's Reward System

Abstract

This study examines the role of perceptions of the firm's reward system as a moderating factor in attitude's impact on patenting intensity. Applied in an R&D context, attitude is defined as attitude towards R&D work and attitude towards the impediments to R&D work. We hypothesise that if there is a positive relationship between attitudes and patenting intensity, this phenomenon is more likely to be observed with individuals who have a positive perception of the firm's reward system, rather than with individuals who have a negative perception. Based on responses from 1,390 research, scientists, and engineers of various technology areas, we found support for the study hypotheses. Both the attitudinal variables had positive effects on patenting intensity, and the impact of these attitudinal variables on patenting intensity was moderated by employees' perceptions of the firm's reward system. The significance of these results and areas of future research are discussed.