Effect of locus of control on innovative behavior among new generation employees: A moderated mediation model

Abstract

We recruited 211 new generation employees in research and development teams to examine how internal and external locus of control (LOC) are related to innovative behavior, both directly and indirectly, and to examine the moderated mediation roles of innovation climate and work engagement in this relationship. Results show that internal (vs. external) LOC had direct and indirect positive (vs. negative) effects on innovative behavior. Further, work engagement mediated the LOC–innovative behavior relationship, and innovation climate strengthened the internal LOC–innovative behavior relationship. These results shed light on the personality antecedents of innovative behavior and show how individual differences shape work engagement, and how innovation climate influences innovative behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.