Article: How does innovative work behaviour mediate factors affecting social innovation behaviours in the UAE's public sector Journal: International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR) 2026 Vol.40 No.5 pp.23 - 52 Abstract: This study explores the relationships among authentic leadership (AL), organisational climate (OC), organisational learning capability (OLC), and innovative work behaviour (IWB), with social innovation behaviour (SIB) as a mediator, in the UAE public sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 460 public-sector employees in the UAE. The reliability of the research model was assessed, and the hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). OLC, AL, and OC indirectly influence SIB through IWB. Additionally, empirical evidence indicates positive associations among OLC, OC, AL, IWB, and SIB. Policymakers can use these findings to develop policies that promote conditions conducive to SIB within public-sector organisations. This study contributes to social innovation (SI) in the UAE public sector. Highlighting the importance of promoting SIB and the mediating role of IWB provides practitioners with comprehensive insights into the factors that encourage SI. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: How does innovative work behaviour mediate factors affecting social innovation behaviours in the UAE's public sector

Authors: Hanan Abdullah; Rohit Sharma; Jean-Paul Arnaout

Addresses: College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University, P.O. Box 59911, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ' College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University, P.O. Box 59911, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ' College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University, P.O. Box 59911, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: This study explores the relationships among authentic leadership (AL), organisational climate (OC), organisational learning capability (OLC), and innovative work behaviour (IWB), with social innovation behaviour (SIB) as a mediator, in the UAE public sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 460 public-sector employees in the UAE. The reliability of the research model was assessed, and the hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). OLC, AL, and OC indirectly influence SIB through IWB. Additionally, empirical evidence indicates positive associations among OLC, OC, AL, IWB, and SIB. Policymakers can use these findings to develop policies that promote conditions conducive to SIB within public-sector organisations. This study contributes to social innovation (SI) in the UAE public sector. Highlighting the importance of promoting SIB and the mediating role of IWB provides practitioners with comprehensive insights into the factors that encourage SI.

Keywords: authentic leadership; organisational climate; organisational learning capability; OLC; innovative work behaviour; IWB; social innovation behaviour; SIB; UAE.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2026.153792

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2026 Vol.40 No.5, pp.23 - 52

Received: 19 Dec 2025
Accepted: 26 Feb 2026
Published online: 26 May 2026 *

Title: How does innovative work behaviour mediate factors affecting social innovation behaviours in the UAE's public sector

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