Unravelling the concept of innovative work behavior: A critical review

Abstract

Purpose. Innovative work behavior ensures an organization’s survival and performance in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment. The goal of this paper is to facilitate the concept of innovative work behavior theoretically by exploring the previous studies in detail. Methodology. Acondensed article is provided based on the review of literature of 73 peer reviewed articles. This papercaters to serve two purposes. First, to explore the dimensions of Innovative work behavior. Second, to provide a concise framework based on the antecedents and consequences of innovative work behavior. Findings. Extensive review of literature has outlined idea exploration, idea generation and idea realizationas the notable attributes of the Innovative work behavior. The antecedents provided in this paper are designated into three groups namely individual, work environment and organizational characteristics. Some of the factors like intrinsic motivation, emotions, work engagement, experience, leadership, and organizational justice were identified to have an influence on Innovative work behavior. Thus, instilling employees to be innovative at work would not only enhance their job satisfaction, productivity, and effectiveness but would also minimize their intention to leave. Value of results. The framework providedin this paper would help the researchers to propose various notions for empirically testing the innovative work behavior.