Championing Better Ideas: Workplace Dignity as an Amplifier of Innovative Work Behaviour

ABSTRACT Innovation is a cornerstone of organisational success and, in some cases, survival. As innovation is a decidedly human activity, understanding social contexts and socio‐psychological conditions that may motivate or hinder employees' innovation efforts is critical. To this end, we conducted three studies to investigate the relationship and effects of perceived workplace dignity on employees' innovative work behaviour. In Study 1 ( N = 192), we surveyed employees about their perceptions of workplace dignity and their self‐reported innovative work behaviour. In Study 2 ( N = 128), we used a scenario‐based vignette experiment in which we randomly assigned participants to work environments that differed in the use of dignity rules and had them report their innovative work behaviour intentions. In Study 3 ( N = 106), we conducted an experiment within an online crowd innovation contest in which dignity was manipulated between conditions. Then, using ratings issued by a panel of independent judges, we compared the quality of participants' ensuing innovation ideas. Collectively, these studies provide preliminary evidence that workplace dignity may indeed amplify innovation such that employees may be more likely to engage in innovative work behaviour, persist in innovation pursuits via idea championing and generate better quality ideas when they work in environments infused with dignity.