Title: Exploring the impact of management support and job satisfaction on innovative work behaviour and job performance in manufacturing SMEs

Authors: Nur Hanisah Md Suhaimi; Haniruzila Hanifah; Ali Vafaei-Zadeh; Chang Ruiqi

Addresses: Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia ' Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Henan College of Transportation, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China

Abstract: This study examines how management support influences innovative work behaviour (IWB) and job performance in manufacturing SMEs, focusing on the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of task complexity. Data from 130 middle managers in Malaysian SMEs were analysed using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The findings reveal that management support significantly enhances job satisfaction and IWB, which in turn positively impacts job performance. Specifically, job satisfaction mediates this relationship by increasing employees' motivation and willingness to engage in IWB when they feel supported and valued. Additionally, task complexity moderates the relationship between management support and IWB, with higher task complexity strengthening the positive effects of management support on IWB. Utilising the Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R) and Amabile's Componential Theory of Creativity, this study provides valuable insights for managers on fostering innovation and performance in SMEs, highlighting the importance of supportive management practices and considering task complexity.

Keywords: management support; job satisfaction; innovative work behaviour; job performance; task complexity; small and medium enterprise.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAMS.2026.155396

International Journal of Applied Management Science, 2026 Vol.18 No.3, pp.255 - 282

Received: 11 Apr 2024
Accepted: 11 Oct 2024
Published online: 31 Jul 2026 *

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