Investigating The Effects Of Epistemic Curiosity On Innovative Work Behaviour: A Study On Hotel Employees

Abstract

Purpose - The main aim is to find out the effects of interest and deprivation type of epistemic curiosity (EC) on innovative work behaviour (IWB) in this study. In addition, the IWB and EC levels of the employees of five-star hotels are compared considering their personal characteristics. Design - Hypotheses were tested within correlational research and causal-comparative research design. Methodology - This research utilized quantitative research methods. Originality of the Research- The current study focuses on a relatively unexplored area, EC in hospitality enterprises and its relationships with IWB. Findings - Data were collected from 247 hotel employees working in five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey. The results showed that the IWB and EC levels of hotel employees were high. Moreover, the interest and deprivation type of curiosity affected their IWB. In addition, differences in EC level were found in relation to their personal characteristics. However, no difference was found in IWB levels.

Keywords

• epistemic curiosity
• interest-type
• deprivation-type
• innovative work behaviour
• hotel employees