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Reflection as a facilitator of teachers' innovative work behaviour
Author(s) -
Messmann Gerhard,
Mulder Regina H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of training and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.558
H-Index - 26
eISSN - 1468-2419
pISSN - 1360-3736
DOI - 10.1111/ijtd.12052
Subject(s) - facilitator , reflection (computer programming) , promotion (chess) , context (archaeology) , work (physics) , professional development , resource (disambiguation) , psychology , pedagogy , computer science , social psychology , political science , mechanical engineering , paleontology , politics , law , biology , programming language , engineering , computer network
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of reflection as a preparatory mechanism for employees' engagement in innovative work behaviour ( IWB ). This issue was explored in a study with 67 teachers at the highest level of G erman secondary education. Specifically, we investigated whether teachers who reflected on work tasks, the social context and their work performance were more engaged in the exploration of opportunities for innovation as well as the generation, promotion and realization of innovative ideas. By applying path modelling, we found that work‐related reflection facilitated all dimensions of IWB . Teachers' IWB most strongly depended on their performance‐related reflection. Also, reflecting on work tasks and the social context affected teachers' IWB indirectly by benefitting their performance‐related reflection. As a consequence, reflection should be valued as a resource for innovation and professional development as well as a vital component of work routines, organizational cultures and job training.