Is polychronicity a panacea for innovative work behavior among nursing staff? Job embeddedness and moderating role of decentralization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how polychronicity enables the possibility for nurses to behave in an innovative way through job embeddedness (JE). The notion of polychronicity remained an unexplored topic, especially in healthcare sector. This paper also investigates the moderating role of decentralization. Design/methodology/approach The study is drawn from a survey research based on a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 117 doctors (supervisors) and their sub-ordinates (576 nurses) from public sector hospitals. To analyze the relationship among variables, this study used descriptive, correlation and hierarchical multiple-regression approach. Findings Results showed that polychronic behavior of nurses positively affects their innovative work behaviors (IWB). Furthermore, JE acts as a bridge in the relationship of polychronicity and IWB. Moreover, decentralization strengthens the relationship between polychronicity and IWB. Originality/value This research significantly contributes to existing literature by adding new knowledge about the positive impact of polychronicity on IWB. Moreover, this study adds to literature by analyzing the mediating role of JE in the relationship between polychronicity and IWB.