Psychological capital and innovative behavior: Mediating effect of psychological safety

Abstract

We examined psychological safety as a mediator of the relationship between psychological capital and innovative behavior. Survey data from 136 university teachers in China were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that psychological safety partially mediated the relationship between psychological capital and innovative behavior. These findings suggest not only that it is important to consider psychological capital in understanding innovative behavior, but also that psychological safety plays an important role in the relationship. Limitations are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.