Motivated Behavior Research Articles

Nausea-induced suppression of feeding is mediated by central amygdala Dlk1-expressing neurons

The motivation to eat is suppressed by satiety and aversive stimuli such as nausea. The neural circuit mechanisms of appetite suppression by nausea are not well understood. Pkcδ neurons in the lateral subdivision of the central amygdala (CeA) suppress feeding in response to satiety signals and nausea. Here, we characterized neurons enriched in the medial subdivision (CeM) of the CeA marked by expression of Dlk1. CeADlk1 neurons are activated by nausea, but not satiety, and specifically suppress feeding induced by nausea. Artificial activation of CeADlk1 neurons suppresses drinking and social interactions, suggesting a broader function in attenuating motivational behavior. CeADlk1 neurons form projections to many brain regions and exert their anorexigenic activity by inhibition of neurons of the parabrachial nucleus. CeADlk1 neurons are inhibited by appetitive CeA neurons, but also receive long-range monosynaptic inputs from multiple brain regions. Our results illustrate a CeA circuit that regulates nausea-induced feeding suppression.

What drives higher active customer engagement in luxury brands’ social media? Measurement and contingencies

This study investigates customer engagement behaviors related to luxury brands on social media, focusing on the motives driving active and passive engagement. Applying a sequential mixed methods approach, drawing on netnographic and survey data analyses, the study identifies 10 emergent themes across intrinsic and extrinsic motives that shape overall motivation for social media engagement with luxury brands. Findings from the netnographic analysis provide empirical insights into customer motivations, which inform the development of hypotheses tested through quantitative analysis. The results highlight the roles of intrinsic motivations, such as entertainment, authenticity, gratitude, experience sharing, nostalgia, aesthetics, and lifestyle inspiration. Further, extrinsic motivations such as social support, utilitarian rewards, and social status seeking are revealed to influence customers' attitudes and behaviors toward luxury brands on social media. The findings regarding the necessary condition and importance-performance matrix analyses provide additional nuanced insights into the necessity and importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for active and passive engagement on social media by customers. The study also clarifies the moderating effects of customers’ value for money orientation and brand identification on the relationship between overall motivation and engagement behaviors. The findings provide a granular understanding of luxury customer behavior on social media, offering valuable insights for luxury brand managers aiming to foster stronger customer–brand relationships.

Figure it out on your own: a mixed-method study on pelvic health survivorship care after gynecologic cancer treatments.

Pelvic health issues after treatment for gynecological cancer are common. Due to challenges in accessing physiotherapy services, exploring virtual pelvic healthcare is essential. This study aims to understand needs, preferences, barriers, and facilitators for a virtual pelvic healthcare program for gynecological cancer survivors. A multi-center, sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. An anonymous online survey (N=50) gathered quantitative data on pelvic health knowledge, opportunities, and motivation. Focus groups (N=14) explored patient experiences and consensus on pelvic health interventions and virtual delivery. Quantitative data used descriptive statistics, and focus group analyses employed inductive thematic analysis. Findings were mapped to the capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) behavior change model. Participants reported lacking knowledge about pelvic health interventions and capability related to the use of vaginal dilators and continence care. Barriers to opportunity included lack of healthcare provider-initiated pelvic health discussions, limited time in clinic with healthcare providers, finding reliable information, and cost of physical therapy pelvic health services. Virtual delivery was seen favorably and may help to address motivational barriers related to embarrassment and frustration with care. Awareness of pelvic healthcare is lacking among people treated for gynecological cancer. Virtual delivery of pelvic health interventions is perceived as a solution to enhance access while minimizing travel, cost, embarrassment, and exposure risks. A better understanding of the pelvic health needs of individuals following gynecological cancer treatments enables the development of tailored virtual pelvic health rehabilitation interventions which may improve access to pelvic health survivorship care.

Nexus of Leadership Style, Organizational Climate, Motivation and OCB in Jordanian Telecommunications

Purpose: This study aims to explore the relationships between leadership style, organizational climate, motivation, and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) among lower and middle-level employees in Jordanian telecommunications companies. The primary goal is to investigate how leadership style and organizational climate influence OCB, with motivation serving as an intermediary variable. By examining these interrelationships, the research seeks to provide insights into the factors shaping employee behaviors and performance within organizational settings. Methods: A random sample approach was utilized to select 450 employees from three Jordanian telecommunications companies. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed via email to the respondents during the latter half of 2021, resulting in 350 usable responses for analysis. Smart PLS 3.0 software was employed to test the interrelationships between leadership style, organizational climate, motivation, and OCB. The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables of interest. Results and discussion: The findings reveal significant relationships between transformational leadership, transactional leadership, organizational climate, motivation, and OCB among employees in the telecommunications sector. Specifically, transformational and transactional leadership styles, as well as organizational climate, were found to significantly influence both motivation and OCB. The analysis also supported three hypotheses on the mediation effects of motivation. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics driving employee behaviors and performance within organizational contexts. Implications of the research: The research findings carry implications for organizational leaders, managers, and policymakers seeking to enhance employee engagement, performance, and organizational citizenship behaviors. By recognizing the influence of leadership style and organizational climate on motivation and OCB, organizations can develop strategies to foster a positive work environment and cultivate a culture of proactive employee behaviors. The study underscores the importance of aligning leadership practices and organizational climate with motivational factors to promote desirable outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the relationships between leadership style, organizational climate, motivation, and OCB within the context of Jordanian telecommunications companies. The examination of these interrelationships offers a unique perspective on the factors shaping employee behaviors and performance. Moreover, by exploring the mediating role of motivation, the study advances our understanding of the mechanisms through which leadership and organizational factors influence employee engagement and citizenship behaviors. The research adds to the body of knowledge on organizational behavior and provides practical implications for fostering a positive workplace environment and enhancing organizational effectiveness.

Just Pin It: Understanding the Dynamics of Pinterest Use, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Health Behaviors

Just Pin It: Understanding the Dynamics of Pinterest Use, Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Health Behaviors

Motivation and Economic Behavior Behind the Success of Trader Widows in Indonesia

Purpose: This article analyzes work motivation, forms of economic behavior, and success stories of widowed traders in Indonesia, especially in Sidrap, South Sulawesi. Methods: The research was conducted with a qualitative approach using naturalistic inquiry methods. The data used consists of primary and secondary data, which were collected through observation, interviews and document study. Results and Conclusion: The results of the study show that the motivation for widows in South Sulawesi to choose trading as their profession is the influence of the environment, where the majority of the population are traders, and the fast circulation of money. The economic behavior of trader widows includes distributing goods and utilizing profits for daily consumption needs, non-consumption needs, and saving for future needs, as well as for social activities and increasing capital. Research implications: The results of this research provide an overview of widows who have long been considered weak women and are often underestimated, who actually have high work motivation and have proven to be successful in trading. Originality/value: Widows should not be labeled as women who are weak and need mercy, but many of them are successful in developing businesses, including in the field of trade.

A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators impacting patient enrolment in clinical trials for lung cancer

PurposeClinical research trials are needed to enhance the medical care and treatment for lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While clinical trials allow for the development of novel therapies to treat cancer, the recruitment of lung cancer patients to trials is low. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the available literature concerning barriers and facilitators affecting lung cancer patients’ decisions to enrol in clinical trials to guide future cancer research efforts. MethodsFour databases were systematically searched: Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, PubMed, and PsycINFO in August 2023. A supplemental grey literature search was also conducted alongside this. Articles were quality appraised using CASP and JMI checklists, and results were narratively synthesised. ResultsEighteen articles of varied design met the inclusion criteria, and results were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model to help structure and conceptualise review findings. Evidence suggests that the decision to enrol in a trial is multifaceted and informed by: when and how study information is presented, travel and trial eligibility, and altruistic hopes and fears. ConclusionsThere is need to address the many different concerns that lung cancer patients have about participating in a clinical trial through the supply of accessible and timely trial information, and via the reduction of travel, expansion of study eligibility criteria, and recognition of a person's altruistic wishes, hopes, fears, and family-oriented concerns. Future research should aim to work alongside lung cancer patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to increase research accessibility.

Treatment Motivation and Hopelessness among Cardiac Patients

Background: Cardiac patients' adherence to treatment regimens is crucial for their recovery and well-being. The role of psychological factors, including treatment motivation and hopelessness, in influencing treatment outcomes has gained increasing attention. Gender differences in these psychological aspects may have implications for tailoring patient care strategies.
 Objective: This study aimed to explore the differences in treatment motivation and hopelessness between male and female cardiac patients and to examine how these factors are related to demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income.
 Methods: A total of 150 cardiac patients from the C-P-E Institute of Cardiology Multan were selected through purposive sampling for this cross-sectional study. The Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were administered to assess treatment motivation and hopelessness, respectively. Data on demographic variables were also collected. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, and t-tests.
 Results: The study found no significant difference in external motivation between females (mean=2.09, SD=0.35) and males (mean=2.02, SD=0.32, p=0.158). Internal motivation was significantly higher in males (mean=2.33, SD=0.27) compared to females (mean=2.23, SD=0.25, p=0.023). Help-seeking behavior was more prevalent in males (mean=2.45, SD=0.45) than in females (mean=2.28, SD=0.45, p=0.04). No significant difference was observed in confidence and overall treatment motivation between genders. Hopelessness was significantly higher in males (mean=12.05, SD=1.91) than in females (mean=11.43, SD=1.94, p=0.047).
 Conclusion: The study underscored significant gender differences in internal motivation and help-seeking behavior among cardiac patients, with males displaying higher levels of both. Additionally, males exhibited greater hopelessness than females. These findings suggest the need for gender-specific interventions to enhance treatment motivation and address hopelessness in cardiac patients.

Hadrah Sebagai Media Dakwah Dalam Meningkatkan Perilaku Keagamaan Pemuda Majlis Ta’lim Arafah Bojonggede Bogor

Abstract— This study explores the impact of hadrah as a means of Islamic propagation in enhancing the religious behavior of youth in Majlis Ta'lim Arafah Bojonggede, Bogor. Majlis Ta'lim Arafah Bojonggede is a regular activity of the local community, often conducted more frequently than special gatherings for Islamic students, with the main events usually held on Friday evenings and during major Islamic holidays. The implementation of hadrah as a means of Islamic propagation involves several concrete steps, such as integration into events, training and practice, Islamic content in hadrah, empowerment of youth, and evaluation. The impact of hadrah is evident in the increased enthusiasm for Islamic propagation, the positive psychological reception of messages, and its significance in shaping Islamic behavior. In the context of Edward L. Deci's theory of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, it is found that intrinsic motivation, stemming from internal satisfaction, and extrinsic motivation, stemming from external factors, mutually influence each other in enhancing engagement and Islamic behavior. In conclusion, hadrah as a means of Islamic propagation can significantly contribute to enhancing the religious behavior of youth, with intrinsic and extrinsic motivation playing a crucial role in this process. Keywords: Hadrah, Islamic propagation, Religious behavior, Intrinsic motivation, Extrinsic motivation

Effectiveness of AI-assisted game-based learning on science learning outcomes, intrinsic motivation, cognitive load, and learning behavior

Effectiveness of AI-assisted game-based learning on science learning outcomes, intrinsic motivation, cognitive load, and learning behavior

The dimensionality of L2 teacher self-regulation strategies and its interactions with teacher self-efficacy: Exploratory structural equation modeling

Teacher self-regulation plays a critical role in effective teaching and professional success. It is not only deemed to be a path to professional development but also a prerequisite to cultivating students' self-regulatory capacity. However, our understanding of in-service second/foreign language (L2) teachers' self-regulation strategies is insufficient. This study aimed to address gaps in the literature by exploring the factorial structure of self-regulation strategies for teaching among L2 teachers in China. Grounded in sociocognitive theory, we proposed a multidimensional structure of self-regulation strategies for teaching and made methodological innovations by using rigorous statistical methods including exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and bifactor ESEM to measure the construct-relevant multidimensionality of teacher self-regulation strategies. The study collected data from a sample of 242 in-service L2 teachers across 18 universities in various regions of China. Model comparisons confirmed the ESEM model with the best fit, accounting for 12 specific teaching strategies (i.e., organization, elaboration, critical thinking, goal setting, self-evaluation, self-monitoring, motivational self-talk, emotional regulation, interest enhancement, collective teacher commitment, seeking help and resources, and time and environment management). These specific teaching strategies with moderate correlations confirmed the multidimensional structure of teacher self-regulation entailing cognition, metacognition, motivation, and social behavior. In addition, L2 teachers’ self-regulation strategies were closely connected to their sense of efficacy in classroom management, student engagement, and instructional strategies, supporting the criterion validity.

Does sustainability matter at tourism sites? Impact of motivation and employee-ambidexterity on employee-innovative-behaviour

Purpose: The sustainability of tourism sites in plateau states has been a significant concern. This study aims to analyze the impact of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) and employee ambidexterity on innovative employee behavior on the sustainability of tourism sites in Nigeria. Research Methodology: A quantitative approach was adopted and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among employees of five government tourism sites in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 163 responses were received and multiple regression analyses were conducted using Smart-PLS version 3.2.7. Results: The results revealed that (a) intrinsic motivation significantly impacts innovative employee behavior, (b) extrinsic motivation significantly impacts innovative employee behavior, (c) intrinsic motivation significantly impacts employee ambidexterity, (d) extrinsic motivation significantly impacts employee ambidexterity, (e) employee ambidexterity significantly impacts employee innovative behavior, (f) employee ambidexterity mediates the relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee innovative behavior, and (g) employee ambidexterity mediates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and innovative employee behavior. Limitations: This research was conducted on five renowned government tourism sites in the Plateau State; private tourism sites/recreation facilities could be included. Contributions: This study recommends that managers of tourist sites should incorporate intrinsic and extrinsic motivational practices to stimulate positive employee work outcomes that will, in turn, enhance the sustainability of tourist site resources and offer a welcoming, memorable, and friendly experience to tourists.

Does sustainability matter at tourism sites? Impact of motivation and employee-ambidexterity on employee-innovative-behaviour

Purpose: The sustainability of tourism sites in plateau states has been a significant concern. This study aims to analyze the impact of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic) and employee ambidexterity on innovative employee behavior on the sustainability of tourism sites in Nigeria. Research Methodology: A quantitative approach was adopted and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among employees of five government tourism sites in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 163 responses were received and multiple regression analyses were conducted using Smart-PLS version 3.2.7. Results: The results revealed that (a) intrinsic motivation significantly impacts innovative employee behavior, (b) extrinsic motivation significantly impacts innovative employee behavior, (c) intrinsic motivation significantly impacts employee ambidexterity, (d) extrinsic motivation significantly impacts employee ambidexterity, (e) employee ambidexterity significantly impacts employee innovative behavior, (f) employee ambidexterity mediates the relationship between intrinsic motivation and employee innovative behavior, and (g) employee ambidexterity mediates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and innovative employee behavior. Limitations: This research was conducted on five renowned government tourism sites in the Plateau State; private tourism sites/recreation facilities could be included. Contributions: This study recommends that managers of tourist sites should incorporate intrinsic and extrinsic motivational practices to stimulate positive employee work outcomes that will, in turn, enhance the sustainability of tourist site resources and offer a welcoming, memorable, and friendly experience to tourists.

Facilitators and barriers to community pharmacy PrEP delivery: a scoping review.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective medication to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP is available free of charge in the UK from sexual health clinics. Expanding PrEP delivery to community pharmacies holds promise and aligns with UK government goals to eliminate new cases of HIV by 2030. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the existing evidence about the barriers to and facilitators of community pharmacy oral PrEP delivery, for pharmacists and pharmacy clients, as aligned with the Capacity Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) Model. Five bibliographic and five review databases were searched from inception to August 2023. Literature of any study design was included if it discussed barriers and facilitators of community pharmacy PrEP delivery. Trial registrations, protocols and news articles were excluded. A total of 649 records were identified, 73 full texts were reviewed and 56 met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from high-income/westernized settings. Most of the included literature was original research (55%), from the United States (77%) conducted during or after the year 2020 (63%). Barriers to PrEP delivery for pharmacists included lack of knowledge, training and skills (capability), not having the necessary facilities (opportunity), concern about the costs of PrEP and believing that PrEP use could lead to risk behaviours and sexually transmitted infections (motivation). Facilitators included staff training (capability), time, the right facilities (opportunity), believing PrEP could be a source of profit and could reduce new HIV acquisitions (motivation). For clients, barriers included a lack of PrEP awareness (capability), pharmacy facilities (opportunity) and not considering pharmacists as healthcare providers (motivation). Facilitators included awareness of PrEP and pharmacist's training to deliver it (capability), the accessibility of pharmacies (opportunity) and having an interest in PrEP (motivation). To effectively enhance oral PrEP delivery in UK community pharmacies, the identified barriers and facilitators should be explored for UK relevance, addressed and leveraged at the pharmacy team, client and care pathway level. By comprehensively considering all aspects of the COM-B framework, community pharmacies could become crucial providers in expanding PrEP accessibility, contributing significantly to HIV prevention efforts.

Linking industrial culture and human agency in three (post)industrial towns: Collective and individual agency shaping development paths

The aim of this article is to better understand the relationship between industrial culture and human agency and how it influences development outcomes. The study is set in the geographical context of three small and old industrial towns, where traditional industrial practices are embedded in the material and institutional environment and people's behaviours that form a distinctive industrial culture. Conceptually, we use a relational perspective to investigate the dialectic between human agency and industrial culture: we examine how industrial culture can guide human agency–through motivation, legitimation, or specific behaviour; and how human agency reshapes industrial culture through its actions–destruction, modification, maintenance of cultural assets. The results show that a strong industrial culture implies a more reproductive type of agency and a pronounced collective behaviour of actors, aiming at a more incremental development that reflects the existing place-based culture. In the case where industrial culture is thinner, new development relied on individual agents completely altering development paths. Our research places particular emphasis on collective assets and collective agency in the context of smaller towns with strong industrial culture and their ability to influence the direction of future development. In addition, we emphasise the simultaneous role of (individual) change and (collective) reproductive/maintenance agency, which can lead to stable development without major disruptions to the institutional or cultural context. Our findings are important for understanding small industrial communities and how the collective aspects of industrial culture require that new development initiatives are aligned with industrial traditions and place-based culture.

PENGARUH KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL, MOTIVASI KERJA, DAN OCB TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. NARMADA AWET MUDA

This research aims to analyze the Influence of Transformational Leadership, Work Motivation, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior on Employee Performance at PT. Narmada Awet Muda. The type of research used is associative-causal. Data collection method involves a survey by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression with SPSS 21. The sampling method employs proportionate random sampling, resulting in a sample size of 80 individuals from a total population of 399. The analysis results indicate that: Transformational Leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Work Motivation has a significant influence on employee performance. Organizational Citizenship Behavior does not have a significant effect on employee performance. Transformational Leadership has a positive and significant influence on Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Work Motivation has a positive and significant influence on Organizational Citizenship Behavior. The research recommends that the company provides training to enhance intellectual stimulation for employees, listens to the ideas and suggestions of employees, treats all employees equally, acknowledges and rewards employees for their work, encourages employee participation in organizational meetings, and motivates employees to improve time efficiency in completing tasks.

Hubungan Motivasi Dengan Perilaku Orang Tua Dalam Pencegahan Kejang Demam Berulang Pada Balita Di Ruang Asoka RSUD dr. Murjani Sampit

Toddlers are children in the age range of 0-5 years old. The childhood period is the most vulnerable to diseases. Febrile seizures are often encountered in toddlers, where the body temperature rises suddenly and becomes a triggering factor for seizures. Based on the frequently occurring phenomenon, many parents do not know how to handle seizures, and when a child has a fever, it is not handled properly, such as not immediately applying warm compresses to the child, not giving fever-reducing medicine. Therefore, some parents still lack strong motivation to prevent febrile seizures. The research aims to analyze the relationship between motivation and parental behavior in preventing recurrent febrile seizures in toddlers in the Asoka Room of RSUD dr. Murjani Sampit. This is a quantitative study, correlational design with a cross-sectional approach, and total sampling technique. The sample consists of 54 parents. Data collection is done using two questionnaires: a motivation questionnaire and a behavior questionnaire, using the Spearman rank statistical test. The research results obtained a p-value of 0.000 <0.05, indicating a relationship between motivation and the behavior of preventing recurrent seizures in toddlers in the Asoka Room of RSUD dr. Murjani Sampit. The correlation coefficient value is 0.553, meaning it has a strong positive relationship. The conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between motivation and parental behavior in preventing recurrent seizures in toddlers in the Asoka Room of RSUD dr. Murjani Sampit.

How effort-based self-interest motivation shapes altruistic donation behavior and brain responses.

Prosocial behaviors are central to individual and societal well-being. Although the relationship between effort and prosocial behavior is increasingly studied, the impact of effort-based self-interested motivation on prosocial behavior has received less attention. In the current study, we carried out two experiments to examine the effect of motivation to obtain a reward for oneself on donation behavior and brain response. We observed that individuals who accumulated more money in the effort-expenditure rewards task (EEfRT) donated a lower proportion of their earnings. The sigmoid model fitted participants' choices in the EEfRT task, and the effort-reward bias and sigma parameters negatively correlated with the amount of money donated in the donation task. Additionally, the effort-reward bias and sigma parameters negatively predicted N2 amplitude during processing of charitable donation-related information. We propose that individuals who exhibit a lower level of effort-based self-interest motivation may allocate more cognitive control or attentional resources when processing information related to charitable donations. Our work adds weight to understanding the relationship between effort-based self-interest motivation and prosocial behavior and provides electrophysiological evidence.

A study on the effect of school district cadets' motivation on organizational citizenship behavior: Mediating effect of self-efficacy

This study aims to analyze the effect of individual school district cadets' motivation to support school districts (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) on self-efficacy. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of school district cadets' self-efficacy on their organizational citizenship behaviour, as well as the role of self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between their motivation to apply and their organizational citizenship behaviour. We conducted a survey of candidates for military school districts in the Republic of Korea. We carried out factor analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, regression analysis, and mediated regression analysis to validate the study's hypotheses. The main statistical analysis results of this study are presented below: First, the external factor, which was one of the motivations for applying to school district cadets, had a positive (+) effect on individual-oriented organizational citizenship behavior, while the intrinsic factor also had a positive (+) effect on this behavior. Second, the study revealed that a positive (+) relationship between external support motivation and individual-oriented organizational citizenship behaviour partially mediated confidence in self-efficacy.

It’s my pleasure to serve you! Examining the job contact, happiness, prosocial motivation, and innovative work behavior link

Purpose Job characteristics can potentially influence employees’ attitudes and behaviors. However, their impact on employees’ innovative behaviors, particularly in public sector organizations, has received little scholarly attention. Based on relational job design theory and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, this study aims to examine the effect of job contact on public sector employees’ innovative work behavior through the mediator of happiness at work. It also assesses whether prosocial motivation strengthens the influence of job contact on innovative work behavior (via happiness at work). Design/methodology/approach The model was examined on a sample of 180 employee-supervisor dyads (90 supervisors and 180 employees) recruited from various government departments in the United Arab Emirates. Findings The findings support the proposed moderated mediation model in which job contact positively and significantly impacts innovative work behavior. The association between job contact and innovative behavior via happiness at work is found to be stronger for employees who are highly prosocially motivated. Originality/value The findings offer prescriptive insights into public sector employee happiness and prosocial motivation by illustrating when and how job contact influences innovative work behavior. The authors also present relevant managerial recommendations for promoting public sector employees’ innovative behavior.