Workplace information literacy: a bridge to the development of innovative work behaviour

Abstract

PurposeOrganisational culture and leadership, employee skills and aptitudes, access to resources, and training are regularly cited as important determinants of the development of innovative work behaviour (IWB). The purpose of the work reported in this paper was to investigate a further set of possible determinants of the development of IWB: those that are information-related.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach was adopted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by questionnaire, interview and focus groups in three large public sector case study organisations in Scotland, Finland and England.FindingsA set of information-related determinants of the development of IWB is evidenced, adding to the list of determinants that are already well documented. Notably workplace information literacy (IL) appears to furnish a bridge between determinants of the development of IWB and workplace learning.Originality/valueThat information-related determinants may be valuable to the development of IWB has not previously merited specific consideration, nor been recognised, in the wider IWB literature. The identification of these determinants in this research should encourage researchers and professionals beyond the domain of information science to pay serious attention to IL. This is particularly important in respect of the role of workplace IL in processes that lead to new knowledge creation and innovation.

Nurturing Innovative Work Behaviour through Workplace Learning among Knowledge Workers of Small and Medium Businesses

“…However, the mentioned studies were conducted in different settings compared to the industries, organisational size and country context. In addition, the findings of this study are also in line with those of Middleton and Hall (2021), who found a positive influence of informal learning (Innovative learning and knowledge sharing) of different stages of IWB including creation of new OE, IG and IP. Information sharing to IG, IP and IR stages and innovative learning was related to IG and IP stages.…”

“…The fifth dimension i.e. reflection, is about the assessment of the innovation process, evaluation of the activities and personal advancement during the innovation process (Middleton & Hall, 2021). In the current study, the first four dimensions of this model are considered to explain the process of IWB among knowledge workers of SMEs.…”

“…Operationally, OE is about identifying problems, understanding them and the requirement of improvement or change in the work setting of an employee (Middleton & Hall, 2021). OE serves as a base for the other stages of the process.…”

“…According to Cangialosi et al (2020) learning opportunities in the workplace can influence different stages of IWB. Likewise, Middleton and Hall (2021) argued that innovative learning which is a form of WPL could positively influence different stages of IWB including IG. Therefore, it is supposed that three forms of WPL will help employees to generate new idea to solve the gaps and opportunities identified in their work setting.…”

“…To cut it short, IR means a thoughtful struggle to introduce, develop or adopt new ideas into actual work roles, workgroups, or the whole company (West & Farr, 1990). Empirical research shows that different forms of WPL can help employees to realise the developed ideas into work (Gerken et al, 2016;Coetzer et al, 2020;Cangialosi et al, 2020;Middleton & Hall, 2021). Hence, it is proposed that WPL will help individuals to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement a new idea in their work setting, and the following hypotheses are proposed: Third, employees who qualified as knowledge workers were selected for data collection.…”