Intrinsic Motivation, Knowledge Sharing and Innovation Behavior of Knowledge-Based Employees in the Industrial New Generation

Abstract

By introducing knowledge sharing as an intermediary variable and using 375 questionnaires, this paper makes an empirical study on the intrinsic motivation, the main and mediating effects of knowledge sharing on individual innovation behavior. The results show that: (1) The intrinsic motivation has a positive predictive effect on individual innovation behavior, and the influence degree of each dimension on individual innovation behavior is beta interest > beta competency > beta curiosity > beta self-determination > beta work engagement. (2) The intrinsic motivation has a positive predictive effect on knowledge sharing. Besides self-determination, all dimensions of intrinsic motivation can actively promote knowledge sharing among employees, such as competency, work engagement, curiosity and interest. (3) Knowledge sharing has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between internal motivation and individual innovation behavior of knowledge-based employees in the industrial new generation. Knowledge sharing plays a mediating role in the influence of competency, work engagement, curiosity and interest on individual innovation behavior, but does not have a mediating effect on self-determination. The conclusions of this study can provide reference and suggestions for enterprises to effectively promote individual innovation of the industrial new generation of employees.