Innovative Behavior as a Moderator of Growth Intentions

摘要

Although several studies suggest that both growth intentions and innovative behavior have positive effects on firm growth, little is known about how innovative behavior interacts with the intentions and the growth. This study examines its role in this relationship. Longitudinal data composed of 232 observations show that the innovative behavior itself has a positive effect on firm growth. However, innovative behavior negatively moderates the effect of growth intentions on growth. Of the analyzed dimensions of such behavior, the launching of new products and services, in particular, impedes the chances of realizing the growth intentions. In conclusion, the identified moderating effect of innovative behavior gives a new insight into existing knowledge on the effect of growth intentions on firm growth.