Innovative Minds, Sharing Hesitations: Open Innovation Meets Green Entrepreneurship

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationships between innovative thinking tendency, knowledge hiding behavior within organizations, open innovation, and green entrepreneurship among employees in technology firms. Data collected from 386 participants were analyzed using cluster analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal three distinct employee profiles based on their engagement in innovative thinking and open innovation processes: protective innovative entrepreneurs, collaborative and sustainable entrepreneurs, and traditional and resistant individuals. Protective innovative entrepreneurs demonstrate a high level of innovation orientation and awareness of green entrepreneurship, yet they maintain a cautious approach toward knowledge sharing. Collaborative and sustainable entrepreneurs actively promote knowledge sharing while displaying strong tendencies toward both innovation and open innovation. In contrast, traditional and resistant individuals exhibit relatively low levels of innovation orientation and a limited understanding of open innovation. The results of the structural equation modeling indicate a positive relationship between innovative thinking tendency and open innovation, as well as between knowledge hiding behavior and open innovation. Moreover, a positive relationship was also identified between open innovation and green entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it was found that both innovative thinking tendency and knowledge hiding behavior significantly and positively influence green entrepreneurship through the mediating role of open innovation.