Nexus between Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Organizational Supportiveness, and Innovative Work Behaviour of Employees in Sri Lankan Biscuit Manufacturing Companies

In highly competitive manufacturing environments, employee-driven innovation has become a critical source of sustainable competitive advantage. Within the Sri Lankan biscuit manufacturing industry, firms face increasing pressure to enhance innovation amid rapid market changes and technological advancement. Grounded in Resource-Based Theory, this study investigates the relationships between Emotional Intelligence (EI), Perceived Organizational Supportiveness (POS), and Innovative Work Behaviour (IWB), while examining the moderating role of Technological Orientation (TO).
A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 384 employees representing leading biscuit manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was employed to test the hypothesis. The findings reveal a strong and positive relationship between EI and IWB, indicating that organizational support mechanisms play an important role in translating emloyees~emotional capabilities into innovative outcomes. However, the moderating effect of technological orientation on the POS-IWB relationship.

Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Support, Innovative Work Behaviour

1. Acar, O., & Zehir, C. (2009). Dynamic capabilities and firm performance: The mediating role of organizational learning. Journal of Business Research, 62(10), 976983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2008.09.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Agarwal, N., Shankar, V., & Krishnan, M. S. (2012). Examining the influence of organizational climate and individual creativity on innovative work behavior. Journal of Business Research, 65(12),16951701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.03.018. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Agarwal, R. (2014). Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Aldabbas, A., Al-Swidi, A., & Al-Shboul, R. (2021). The impact of knowledge sharing on innovative work behaviour: The mediating role of knowledge management capabilities. Journal of Knowledge Management, 25(6),1251–1272. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-02-2021-0105. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Alfy, M. A., & Naithani, A. (2021). Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. International Journal of Manpower, 42(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJM-08-2019-0366. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Amabile, T. M. (1988). A model of creativity and innovation in organizations. In B. M. Stew & L. L. Cummings (Eds.), Research in organizational behavior (Vol. 10, pp.123–167). JAI Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Ambile, T. M. (1998). How organizational learning influences a firm’s innovation capabilities. Academy of Management Journal, 41(5), 539–556. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Amorim, M. R., & Santos, R. (2017). Work–family enrichment and organisational Commitment: The mediating role of organizational support. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 103(, 106–115). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2016.12.001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Spreitzer, G. M. (1995). Psychological empowerment in the workplace: Dimensions, measurement, and validation. Academy of Management Journal, 38(5), 1442-1465 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Doweling., Festining, ml, &Engle, a.D (2017). International human resource management, Cengage learning [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Guest, d. (2017) Human resource management and employee well-being, towards a new analytic framework. Human resource managmetn journal 27(1), 22-38 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Huselid,M.A (1992) the impact of human resource management practices on turnover, productivity and corporate financial performance. Academy of management journal, 38(3), 635-675 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Suliman, A. M. & AlShaikh, F. N. (2007). Emotional intelligence at work: Links to conflict and innovation. Employee Relations, 29(2), 208-220. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Thornhill, S. (2006). Knowledge, innovation and firm performance in high-and low-technology regimes. Journal of Business Venturing, 21(5), 687-703. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Tompson, H. B. & Werner, J. M. (1997). The impact of role conflict/facilitation on core and discretionary behaviours: Testing a mediated model. Journal of Management, 23(4), 583-601. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Turgut, E. & Beğenirbaş, M. (2013). Kara Harp Okulu Bilim Dergisi, 23(2), 101-124. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Van Burg, E., Berends, H., & Van Raaij, E. M. (2014). Framing and interorganizational knowledge transfer: A process study of collaborative innovation in the aircraft industry. Journal of Management Studies, 51(3), 349-378. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Van de Ven, A. H. (1986). Central problems in the management of innovation. Management Science, 32(5), 590-607. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Van der Panne, G., Van Beers, C., & Kleinknecht, A. (2003). Success and failure of innovation: a literature review. International Journal of Innovation Management, 7(03), 309-338. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Wahyudi, S., Udin, U., Yuniawan, A., & Rahardja, E. (2019). Person-Organization Fit, Knowledge Sharing Behaviour, and Innovative Work Behaviour: A Self- determination Perspective. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 4(4), 145-161. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. West, M. A., & Farr, J. L. (1989). Innovation at work: Psychological perspectives. Social West, M. A., & Farr, J. L. (Eds.). (1990). Innovation and creativity at work: Psychological and organizational strategies. John Wiley. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Wong, C. S. & Law, K. S. (2002). The effects of leader and follower emotional intelligence on performance and attitude: An exploratory study. The Leadership Quarterly, 13(3), 243-274. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Woodman, R. W., Sawyer, J. E., & Griffin, R. W. (1993). Toward a theory of organizational creativity. Academy of Management Review, 18(2), 293- 321. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Is Strike Relevant in the Modern Era? Evidence from Indian Manufacturing, IT/Ites, FMCG, Electronics and Emerging Sectors
• A Qualitative Exploration of Work-Life Balance Among Private Universities Lecturers in Klang Valley
• Leadership Styles and Employee Motivation: Examining the Impact on Job Satisfaction and Turnover
• Human Resource Management, Organizational Culture, and Good Governance Practices: A Structural Equation Model on Service Orientation among Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation in Davao Region
• Cost of Silence: Exploring the Impact of Organisational Silence on Employee Engagement