Affiliations:
1Department of Management Science, Institute of Science Innovation and Culture, Rajamangala University of Technology, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
2Institute of Science Innovation and Culture, Rajamangala University of Technology, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
3Department of Accounting, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palopo, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
This study investigates how entrepreneurial traits and innovative behavior influence employees’ knowledge inertia, and examines the mediating role of knowledge inertia between employees’ achievement needs and open innovation. Data were collected from 581 middle-level executives in Chinese companies using random sampling, and the research model was tested with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings reveal that employees’ achievement needs have a positive and significant effect on experience- and learning-related knowledge inertia, while knowledge inertia partially mediates the relationship between achievement needs and open innovation. The results also show that employees’ motivation, commitment, and skills play a key role in fostering new ideas, innovation, and organizational advocacy. Furthermore, reciprocal communication and feedback-friendly channels are important for strengthening innovation practices. The study suggests that companies should not only focus on improving performance and profitability but also provide opportunities for employee development and involvement in sustainability initiatives. These insights offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance innovation and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
Knowledge inertia, Achievement needs, Open innovation, Employee motivation, Organizational sustainability
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.11.013
Zhang, Q., Liu, Y., & Junaidi, J. (2025). The effect of achievement needs on employees’ open innovation: A knowledge inertia perspective. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 12(11), 133–142. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2025.11.013