Job autonomy and innovative work behaviour among teachers in Ghana: mediating role of employee work engagement

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating role of employee work engagement (EE) in the influence of job autonomy (JA) on innovative work behaviour (IWB) among pre-university teachers in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypotheses set in the study, data was obtained from 202 pre-university teachers in Ghana using a questionnaire. Analyses of the data was done through partial least square structural equation modelling. The significance of the hypothesised paths was determined using bias-corrected and accelerated confidence intervals. Findings Teachers’ JA influences their IWB and work engagement. Also, EE influences IWB of teachers. Finally, EE plays a mediating role in the influence JA has on the IWB of teachers. Originality/value This study adds to the dearth of studies regarding the influence of JA on the IWB of teachers through work engagement using data from a heterogeneous group of pre-university teachers in Ghana.