Employee innovation performance: Exploring non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing in green manufacturing industry development

Abstract

Background: In the context of organizational innovation frameworks, knowledge plays a crucial role in sparking new ideas and bolstering innovation capabilities. Insights gathered from various sources can act as a catalyst for generating fresh concepts and pushing boundaries. Moreover, the effectiveness of innovation within an organization can be influenced by factors like employee retention and strategies in human resource management, which can either enhance or hinder the correlation between knowledge accumulation and innovation outcomes. The employee innovation performance involves a series of tasks carried out by individuals who not only possess knowledge and skills but also demonstrate consistency, active involvement in decision-making, intrinsic motivation, and a flair for innovation. Objective: This study endeavors to provide valuable insights into how non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing practices can collectively impact and drive innovation in the green manufacturing sector. Arrangement: In the investigation of employee innovation performance within the development of the green manufacturing industry, the focus will be on exploring non-standard service relationships, psychological contracts, and knowledge sharing. These three specific facets play a pivotal role in shaping the innovation landscape in organizations operating within the realm of sustainable manufacturing. The arrangement of this study will begin by examining the impact of non-standard service relationships on employee innovation performance. By dissecting unconventional service models and their correlation with innovation behaviors, we aim to uncover novel insights that can fuel sustainable innovation practices in the green manufacturing sector. Method: The study adopts a quantitative methodology to collect data, concentrating on a group of employees across eight distinct outsourcing firms. This selection results in a comprehensive sample of 299 participants. For the analysis and manipulation of the data, the research utilizes Sructural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) software. This choice facilitates a meticulous and structured analysis of the data gathered, ensuring precision in the research findings. Results: The research findings reveal a significant and positive influence of psychological contracts on the propensity for knowledge sharing among employees. This suggests that organizations that emphasize establishing strong psychological contracts are likely to nurture a work environment conducive to the free exchange of knowledge and ideas, thus promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Additionally, the data points to a noteworthy positive correlation between the act of knowledge sharing and the ability of an organization to offer unique, non-standard services. This underscores the role of knowledge sharing as a catalyst for innovation, indicating that organizations encouraging such exchanges are in a better position to innovate and provide services that adapt to the changing demands of customers and stakeholders. Conclusion: The research underscores the critical but nuanced role of knowledge sharing in driving employee innovation, especially when contrasted with its pronounced impact on developing non-standard services. It highlights the necessity for organizations to create environments conducive to the free exchange of ideas, fostering innovation. The findings also reveal the significant influence of innovative service offerings and strong psychological contracts on boosting employee creativity and service quality, respectively. For the green manufacturing sector, these insights stress the importance of robust psychological contracts and an innovation-centric culture. Emphasizing trust, open communication, and mutual respect, alongside strategies that promote innovation and recognize employee contributions, can elevate service quality, spur sustainable growth, and secure a competitive market position. This not only advances the organization but also supports wider environmental and sustainability objectives. Contribution: This research enriches the academic and practical understanding of how knowledge sharing, psychological contracts, and an innovation-driven culture can collectively bolster organizational performance, especially within the context of green manufacturing, thereby contributing to the sustainability and innovation discourse.