Understanding innovative work behaviour of women in service firms

Abstract

Globalisation, digitalisation, and deregulation are megatrends that demand smarter, diverse, and inclusive workplaces for harnessing full innovative potentials of workforces in developed and emerging economies. Motivated by this line of reasoning, this article investigates factors influencing women’s participation in innovative work behaviour (IWB), in an emerging economy context. Based on a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 34 management employees in the Kuwaiti service sector, the article proposes a gender inclusive model supporting enhanced women’s IWB participation within service firms. The article concludes with discussions on the theoretical and managerial implications of the study and suggestions for future IWB research.