The effect of organizational climate and knowledge sharing on the innovative behavior of employees in knowledge-based companies

Purpose. The ultimate goal of innovative behavior is to improve performance of the individual, group, and ultimately organization all together. Many factors are influential in the realization of innovative behavior of employees of an organization. In this study, the influence of two factors of organizational climate and knowledge sharing has been reflected. Method. The study uses an applied descriptive survey method. Population includes all official 373 employees of knowledge-based companies in Fars province (1399). Sample was189 individuals selected by simple random sampling method using Cochran's formula. Data collection was conducted by: Standard Questionnaires of Organizational Climate ( Book et al., 2005), Knowledge Sharing Questionnaire (Hoff and Reader, 2004), and Innovative Behavior Questionnaire (Johnson and Welba,  2004). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling tests were used for data analysis. Findings. The results show that organizational climate has a direct and positive effect on innovative behavior and knowledge sharing. Conversely, knowledge sharing also has a direct and positive effect on innovative behavior. The direct effect of organizational climate on innovative behavior is 0.52, which is strengthened by the role of knowledge sharing and increases by 0.83, which means that knowledge sharing by 0.31 has increased the organizational climate effect on innovative behavior. Discussion and conclusion. Appropriately understanding - the type of relationship and how to influence organizational climate and knowledge sharing on the innovative performance of employees in knowledge-based companies - managers will be able to take more appropriate measures to instigate innovation in the company to increase organizational productivity, planning and management.