Title: Reinforcement contingencies of innovative behaviour: antecedent and consequent factors

Authors: Alipio Veiga Neto; Rodrigo De Siqueira Christo; Antonio Jorge Fernandes; Cristine Hermann Nodari

Addresses: Program of Business Admnistration, University Potiguar, 2184, Engenheiro Roberto Freire, Natal, 59082-902, Brazil ' Program of Business Admnistration, University Potiguar, 2184, Engenheiro Roberto Freire, Natal, 59082-902, Brazil ' Program of Business Admnistration, University Potiguar, 2184, Engenheiro Roberto Freire, Natal, 59082-902, Brazil ' Program of Business Admnistration, University Potiguar, 2184, Engenheiro Roberto Freire, Natal, 59082-902, Brazil

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the antecedent stimuli and consequent support that produce innovative behaviour. Based on Foxall (2009), this study proposes a model to analyse the contingencies of innovative behaviour (CIB), tested using multivariate data analysis through exploratory research. We identified 38 variables that encourage subjects to innovate and which may foster an avoidance of innovation. By using a sample of 224 entrepreneurs, business owners or company managers throughout Brazil, we find 'social interaction and learning' as the main factor encouraging innovative behaviour and, as a conclusion, innovative behaviour occurs in organisations, regardless of the difficulties or barriers that may minimise the occurrence of innovative practices.

Keywords: innovative behaviour; antecedent stimulus; consequent support; contingencies; competitiveness; avoidance; utilitarian support; informative support; social interaction; learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2021.119176

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2021 Vol.25 No.4/5, pp.257 - 278

Accepted: 05 Jun 2019
Published online: 29 Nov 2021 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article