Resolving the paradox of bootleg innovation: the role of organizational error management climate in shaping innovation among new-generation employees

Introduction Bootleg innovation is prevalent among new-generation employees, but the influence of organizational error tolerance remains underexplored. Methods Two studies were conducted—a three-wave field survey ( n = 387) and a scenario-based experiment ( n = 200)—to test the proposed model. Results Error management climate positively predicts bootleg innovation via psychological safety. Promotion focus strengthens this mediation, while defensive focus weakens it. Discussion The findings highlight how organizational climate and individual motivation interact to shape constructive deviant innovation.