Prioritizing the Components of Innovative Work Behavior in the Ilam Province Education Organization

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and prioritize the components of innovative work behavior in the Ilam Province Education Organization. This applied study used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design conducted in two qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, 25 experienced managers, experts, and teachers involved in innovative activities were selected through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA software. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population consisted of 3,750 employees of the Ilam Province Education Organization, from whom 350 participants were selected using proportionate stratified sampling. A researcher-developed questionnaire based on the qualitative findings was used for data collection. Content validity was assessed by experts, and reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory factor analysis, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index, Bartlett’s test of sphericity, principal component analysis, and Varimax rotation were used for quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis yielded 680 initial codes, 18 subcomponents, and nine major components. The KMO value was 0.89, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was statistically significant at p<0.001. Exploratory factor analysis extracted five final factors that collectively explained 75.2% of the variance in innovative work behavior. Work environment and innovation culture ranked first, explaining 26.7% of the variance, followed by motivation and reward with 17.8%, innovative leadership with 13.9%, and individual and knowledge development with 10.1%. Interaction and value creation ranked fifth. The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the final structure was 0.87. Innovative work behavior in the Ilam Province Education Organization is a multidimensional construct, and its enhancement requires prioritizing a supportive innovation climate, effective motivational systems, innovative leadership, individual and knowledge development, and value-creating interactions.