The role of internal locus of control and social competence in knowledge worker innovativeness

Purpose This study aims to investigate the individual determinants of knowledge workers’ (KWs') innovativeness by building on research on individual innovative behaviour, internal locus of control and social competence. Internal locus of control was examined as a predictor and social competence as a boundary condition for KW innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 415 Finnish KWs. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test the research models. Findings Internal locus of control positively is related to KW innovativeness. Among the three dimensions of social competence, only social perceptiveness had a positive and significant influence on the relationship between internal locus of control and KW innovativeness. Practical implications This study uncovers the important role of internal locus of control in driving KW innovativeness and highlights the role of social perception as a boundary condition in that relationship. The findings shed light on the specific nature of KW innovativeness and suggest implications regarding how managers should support KW innovativeness. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution to the research on individual innovativeness in organisations. By drawing on entrepreneurship research, it expands the understanding of KW innovativeness and the individual determinants of their innovativeness beyond motivational and contextual factors. This, in turn, has implications for the management of KWs in organisations.