Gender differences in the relationship between innovation and its antecedents

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to go beyond measurement invariance and assess whether innovation and its antecedents relate to each other in the same way for men as for women when using measurement invariant instruments.

Design/methodology/approach: The sample represents 52 South African organisations, with 60 employees from each, amounting to 3143 respondents, of which 56.4% were men and 43.6% women. Four instruments, of which the measurement invariance across gender has been determined, were included in the study. The relationship between innovation and its antecedents was assessed by performing both correlation and regression analyses for men and women separately, and comparing the findings. Thereafter, gender was introduced as moderator between innovation and its antecedents.

Findings/results: The results reveal that the relationships between innovation and its antecedents do not differ practically across gender, nor does gender moderate the relationship between these variables.

Practical implications: Although gender and gender diversity are often associated with innovation, this research reveals that gender does not alter the way the antecedents to innovation influence innovation at an individual level.

Originality/value: Through applying quantitative and sophisticated methodologies this research contributes to an evidence-based debate on gender in the workplace.