FOSTERING INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOR IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

In fast changing and competitive IT market innovative work behavior (IWB) has become essential by organizations in an effort to ensure success, specially in new product development (NPD) projects. This research provides a systematic literature review to demonstrate how firms can facilitate IWB in NPD initiatives, providing a holistic approach for innovation driven projects. Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed empirical and conceptual research published over the last twenty-five years with a focus on research from organizational behavior, leadership and HRM areas in NPD projects. A thematic synthesis was carried out grouping four key categories i.e. (1) antecedents of IWB, (2) mediating and moderating mechanisms, (3) outcomes and (4) barriers associated with cultural, structural and contextual constraints. Results highlighted the importance of different leadership styles, HR practices and varying climates as key enablers of IWB in NPD projects. Also, leading from these studies, research gaps that need to be investigated were also brought forward for future studies. By incorporating divergent results, the review contributes to theory on IWB in NPD and offers practical recommendations to project managers, innovation leaders and policy makers on how to create work environments in which creativity and idea implementation are fostered. Future research should include multi-stage, multi-level studies, investigate leadership styles and vary methods to reflect the changing nature of IWB in NPD settings. These insights can be used in the allocation of resources and training programs to maintain long-term innovation capabilities.