What motivates innovative behavior among generation Z workforce?

Purpose This study explores the relationships to the extent to which motivates Generation Z employees’ ability and willingness to carry out innovative performance in the service organization. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the effects of incentives on job involvement and examines the moderating role of knowledge sharing in shaping the innovative behavior of service employees. A total of 216 valid responses were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The findings indicate that both monetary and non-monetary incentives have a direct positive relationship with innovative behavior. Moreover, job involvement serves as a mediating factor between incentives and employees' innovative behavior. Finally, knowledge sharing positively moderates the relationship between job involvement and Generation Z employees' innovative behavior. Practical implications From a practical perspective, implementing effective incentive systems and knowledge-sharing strategies can significantly enhance Generation Z employees' engagement in the workforce, thereby reinforcing the organization’s sustainable competitive advantages. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationships between incentives, job involvement, and employee innovative behavior from the perspectives of Generation Z employees in the hospitality industry.