The social side of innovation: When and why advice network centrality promotes innovative work behaviours

Drawing from a social network perspective on innovation, this study aims to explore the relationship between advice network centrality, and innovative work behaviour by focusing on the mediating role of voice behaviour and the moderation of organizational tenure. Hypotheses were tested using a sample of 478 employees in an Italy-based aerospace organization. The results indicated that a central position in the advice network was positively associated with innovative work behaviour and that voice behaviour mediated this relationship. Additionally, moderated mediation analysis highlighted that the path between advice network centrality and voice behaviour was stronger for individuals with shorter organizational tenure. These findings offer guidance for organizations that aim to strengthen employee-driven innovation by highlighting the importance of a social network approach. Several implications for theory and practice are discussed. © 2021 The Authors. Creativity and Innovation Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd