Workplace factors and innovative work behaviour in Dubai hotels moderated by innovative culture

Innovative work behaviour has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing organisational competitiveness, service quality, and long-term sustainability, especially in labour-intensive sectors like hospitality. However, there is limited empirical research on the workplace factors that drive innovative work behaviour, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of work–life balance, job satisfaction, and job engagement on innovative work behaviour, while also considering the moderating effect of organisational culture. A survey of 320 employees at five-star hotels in Dubai was conducted, and the data were analysed with SmartPLS. The results indicate that the examined workplace factors have significant positive effects on innovative work behaviour. The findings also show that the study has clear relevance to sustainable development, particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth and SDG 9 on industry innovation, by demonstrating how supportive workplace conditions and an innovative culture can strengthen employee innovation in the hospitality sector. In addition, the organisational culture moderates these relationships and makes these effects even stronger. The findings of this study reinforce Social Exchange Theory (SET) by illustrating how critical workplace elements foster innovative work behaviour in Dubai’s hospitality industry, while also offering a practical framework to guide hotel managers in designing organisational practices that enhance employee innovation and support sustainability-oriented organisational development.