The role of innovative behavior in the relationship between human capital and knowledge worker productivity

Purpose The desire to create new knowledge for the survival of businesses has compelled organizations to shift labor demand from manual to knowledge workers. This has raised a need to scale up the productivity of knowledge workers. The study aim was to investigate the mediating role of innovative behavior in the relationship between human capital and knowledge worker productivity. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional research design, using a questionnaire to collect data from a sample of ICT professionals offering services in various sectors in Uganda. The data was analyzed using the AMOS statistical package. Findings Results indicated that innovative behavior significantly mediates partially and positively the relationship between human capital and knowledge worker productivity. Research limitations/implications This study was carried out from Uganda, where the knowledge economy is emerging which may limit generalizing results to all countries. Practical implications Managers need to align the training they give to knowledge workers to the business context, empowering them with situated knowledge. In addition, managers need to consider the conception, exploration and exploitation of new ideas as a primary role for knowledge workers, which should be supported financially. Furthermore, managers need to foster a culture of tolerance for failure while implementing new ideas. Originality/value This study pioneers an examination of the mediating role that innovative behavior plays in explaining the relationship between human capital and knowledge worker productivity, addressing a gap in the existing literature.