How and when is boundary-spanning behaviour related to innovative behaviour: role of intrinsic motivation and organisational support

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the underlying boundary conditions under which boundary-spanning behaviour has a positive or negative effect on innovative behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-wave and multi-source research design was adopted to collect data. Data were analysed using the multilevel structural equation modelling and latent moderated structural equation approach.

Findings

The results showed that boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and negatively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was low. Additionally, boundary-spanning behaviour was significantly and positively associated with employees' innovative behaviour via ego depletion when employees' intrinsic motivation or organisational support was high.

Originality/value

This research suggests that the consequences of boundary-spanning behaviour are conditional, explaining the contrasting conclusions in this regard.

Citation

Zhu, J., Xin, L. and Li, M. (2025), "How and when is boundary-spanning behaviour related to innovative behaviour: role of intrinsic motivation and organisational support", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 681-700. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-11-2022-0608