Addressing causal complexity in the drivers of teachers’ innovative behavior: a configurational qualitative comparative approach

Miguel Sánchez-Pérez, Lorenzo Revuelto-Taboada and Alicia Mas-Tur ()
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Miguel Sánchez-Pérez: University of Zaragoza
Lorenzo Revuelto-Taboada: University of Valencia
Alicia Mas-Tur: University of Valencia

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2025, vol. 59, issue 6, No 34, 5709-5736

Abstract: Abstract The literature emphasizes the importance of promoting employee innovative behavior, especially in knowledge-intensive sectors. In education, employee innovative behavior is important to achieve school innovation and provide high-quality educational services. This paper explores causal complexity in the drivers of teachers’ innovative behavior. A review of the antecedents of innovative behavior shows that high-performance work systems, engagement, public service motivation, and empowering leadership are key antecedents of employee innovative behavior. Gender and experience are also relevant. Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is used to analyze combinations of these causal antecedents under possible causal asymmetry and equifinality. The action paths driving or hindering teachers’ innovative behavior are identified. These findings provide a deeper understanding of this process. Engagement and high-performance work systems are prime drivers of innovative behavior, encouraging employees to revisit existing knowledge structures, broaden their cognition and perception, and attempt non-traditional combinations of ideas.

Keywords: Innovative behavior; High-performance work systems; Engagement; Public service motivation; Empowering leadership; Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02231-6

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