The power of a pledge: Exploring the relationship between sense of calling and innovative work behaviour in healthcare

Abstract

In the healthcare sector, sense of calling has raised increasing attention for its crucial role in fostering nurses' motivation and dedication to their work. Despite the fact that individuals with a sense of calling are more likely to go beyond their duties, the potential influence of this calling on their innovative behaviour remains largely unexplored. Drawing on work as a calling and self‐determination theories, this study aims to establish a link between a sense of calling and innovative work behaviour in the healthcare sector and investigate the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions. Questionnaires were distributed through field and online surveys to collect the responses of 350 nurses in China. Structural equation modelling was adopted to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that sense of calling had a positive effect on nurses' innovative work behaviour and the relationship was mediated through meaning of work and employee resilience. Moreover, psychological safety was found to strengthen the positive impact of sense of calling on nurses' innovative work behaviour. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed along with the direction for future research.