Perceived Air Pollution and Innovative Work Behavior: An Empirical Examination Based on Conservation of Resources Theory

Innovative work behavior is crucial for organizational sustenance and growth, and scholars have uncovered many determinants of the same. However, the majority of predictors are either in the work or organizational domain. It is not known whether environmental factors like perceived air pollution can influence innovative work behavior, and if yes, why and when. Our study aims to address this gap by leveraging the conservation of resources theory, which posits that individuals experiencing stressors try to protect their limited resources by withdrawing from work outcomes. The authors utilized a multi-wave multi-source research design and collected data from 506 supervisor–subordinate dyads working in research and development units of 17 companies in India. We found that emotional exhaustion mediated the negative relationship between perceived air pollution and innovative work behavior, and that this relationship was buffered (accentuated) at high (low) levels of supervisor support. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.