Effect of critical thinking disposition on employee innovative behavior: A meta-theory of personality perspective

Abstract

In today's highly uncertain and complex environment, innovation plays a critical role in an organization's survival and development. Therefore, examining factors that drive employee innovative behavior is necessary. Drawing from meta-theory of personality, this study explores the influence of critical thinking disposition on employee innovative behavior. Using data from a three-wave questionnaire survey of 481 employees, the analysis reveals that: (1) intrinsic motivation mediates the positive relationship between critical thinking disposition and employee innovative behavior; (2) supervisor support for innovation moderates the positive relationship between critical thinking disposition and intrinsic motivation. This relationship is stronger when supervisors provide high levels of support for innovation than low levels of support; and (3) supervisor support for innovation also moderates the indirect influence of critical thinking disposition on innovative behavior through intrinsic motivation. This effect is stronger when supervisors offer high levels of support for innovation. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms through which critical thinking disposition influences innovative behavior. Moreover, they have important practical implications for managers in implementing staff selection and training, and creating a supportive environment that promotes employee innovative behavior.