Idea rejection and subsequent innovation intention in Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises: A social cognitive theory perspective

Employees’ creative ideas are internal resources that may enable organisations to adapt to external change, create competitive advantage, and develop growth opportunities. Managerial rejection of innovative ideas is a significant challenge that may diminish employee motivation and willingness to contribute ideas. We surveyed 336 employees from research and development and technology departments to investigate the relationship among idea rejection (IR), creative self-efficacy (CSE), and subsequent innovation intention (SII). The findings reveal that IR significantly decreased employees’ motivation to innovate; moreover, CSE mediated the relationship between IR and SII. Finally, quality managerial feedback may moderate this relationship and enhance self-efficacy’s positive effects on innovation. These results highlight effective managerial feedback’s importance in mitigating IR’s negative consequences and fostering a culture of innovation. Organisations are encouraged to implement practices that enhance feedback mechanisms and support CSE to align employee innovation with organisational objectives.