The key to organizational success in the information age: a socio-technical systems perspective on innovative work behaviour in the Indian IT sector

Purpose In technologically intensive industries, innovation and agility are essential, especially in the information technology (IT) industry, where employees are exposed to turbulent, algorithmic environments. In this study, it is identified how innovative work behaviour (IWB) in Indian IT professionals is shaped by digital workforce agility (DWA), total quality management (TQM), algorithmic surveillance (AS), and inclusive leadership (IL) based on sector-specific socio-technical processes leading to organizational success. Design/methodology/approach A three-wave empirical study is conducted on 217 IT professionals with standardized questionnaire with a 7-point Likert scale and analysed on partial least squares structural equation modelling 4.0 software. The development of hypotheses is done utilizing the socio-technical systems theory (STST). Findings The study, through the theoretical underpinning of STST, emphasizes how TQM and AS significantly improve DWA. IWB is mostly driven by TQM through DWA, having a strong mediating influence. Furthermore, it is the link between DWA and IWB that has been strengthened by IL, indicating its potent moderating impact. Practical implications The results provide executives with useful, actionable advice on how to boost worker engagement, foster innovation and establish an inclusive, creative workplace culture – all of which are critical for organizational success in the rapidly changing business world of today. Originality/value The study broadens the intellectual limits of agility and innovation research by investigating the interdependence of structural factors, AS and TQM, and cognitive-cultural factors, DWA and IL, pertaining to STST. Based on STST, a conceptual framework is developed to explore how the implementation of disruptive technologies impacts and facilitates the IWB in the modern TQM quantified operational set-ups and how IL interplays in this process.