Development of a measurement instrument for innovative work behaviour as a dynamic and context-bound construct

To improve the development of innovations, an understanding of employees' innovative work behaviour (IWB) is necessary. For researching the construct, a measurement instrument is required. The first step in the development of the instrument was its conceptualization. IWB is defined as the sum of work activities employees carry out for innovation development. It is dynamic and context-bound and includes the reflection on activities and outcomes. A questionnaire measuring employees' work activities in authentic work situations was developed. The instrument was validated with employees of an automotive supply company (N = 335) and with vocational teachers (N = 293). Evidence for reliability and validity was found. The questionnaire can be used in professional domains to investigate employees' IWB during the process of innovation development. For HRD, understanding how professional development occurs throughout this process is crucial for fostering innovation development in daily work life and in formal training.