Are happy workers more innovative? A time-lagged moderated mediation model

This research applied broaden-and-build theory to examine whether the trait of positive affectivity influences employees’ innovative behavior. We tested this through three mediating mechanisms: problem-solving ability, ego resilience, and perceived supervisor support. We also examined whether employees’ openness to experience could moderate these three mechanisms. The results indicated that employees’ positive affectivity was positively associated with their problem-solving ability and ego resilience, both of which predicted their innovative behavior. However, the mediation effect of perceived supervisor support was not significant. Openness to experience strengthened the mediating effect of ego resilience in this relationship. To foster innovative behavior in the workplace, managers may use tools such as personality assessments or situational interviews to evaluate candidates’ positive affectivity and openness to experience.