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This study examines the extent to which proactive goal generation is a self‐regulatory mechanism that explains how individual and contextual factors influence employee innovative work behaviour. Specifically, it is proposed that learning goal orientation ( LGO ), psychological climate for innovation, and task variety positively and indirectly influence innovative behaviour via proactive goal generation activities, namely envisioning and planning. Additionally, LGO is expected to positively moderate the planning–innovation link. Based on data collected at two points in time on a sample of 107 employees from 12 small I talian enterprises, we found that envisioning and planning mediated the positive impact of LGO , psychological climate for innovation, and task variety on innovative behaviour. Furthermore, the relationship between planning and innovative behaviour was stronger when LGO was higher. Theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed. Practitioner points Individual engagement in proactive goal‐regulatory activities is an important driver of workplace innovative behaviour. It is hence worthwhile for managers to provide employees with practical tools and guidelines to develop their proactive goal‐setting and goal‐planning skills. Learning goal orientation, psychological climate for innovation, and task variety indirectly shape innovative work behaviour by affecting envisioning and planning processes. In order to increase employees' motivation to engage in proactive goal generation tasks, managers should thus promote the development of a change‐oriented work environment, ensure an adequate amount of variety in the execution of work activities, and retain and develop a learning‐oriented workforce. Learning goal orientation is a boundary condition associated with planning's effects on innovative behaviour. Managers should hence emphasize skill development and the use of flexible approaches in the execution of plans and tasks.
Montani et al. (2014) studied this question.