The mediating role of innovative work behavior in the relationship between organizational factors and social innovation behavior in the UAE public sector

Purpose This study aims to inspect the associations among authentic leadership (AL), organizational climate (OC), organizational learning capability (OLC) and innovative work behavior (IWB) mediated by social innovation behavior (SIB) in the UAE’s public sector. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was administered to UAE public sector employees 460 responses were recorded. The reliability of the research model was evaluated, and the research hypotheses were tested, using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings OLC, AL and OC indirectly affected SIB through IWB. Furthermore, the empirical evidence indicates a positive relationship among OLC, OC, AL, IWB and SIB. Practical implications Regulators can use these results to formulate policies that encourage the conditions that foster SIB in public sector entities. Originality/value This study contributes to the UAE public sector’s social innovation (SI) field. Emphasizing the significance of promoting SIB and mediating the role of IWB, this study offers holistic perspectives for practitioners to understand factors fostering SI.