From Humanism to Innovation: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Thriving at Work on the Relationship Between Perceived Corporate Humanistic Responsibility and Innovative Work Behavior

Although extensive research on CSR, the literature often overlooks its humanistic component, emphasizing more on satisfying external stakeholders like investors and customers. The humanistic aspect of CSR is crucial as it fosters an organisational environment that promotes employee thriving. Thriving employees possess greater psychological and social resources, catalysing innovative work behaviour. Through the lens of a sensemaking perspective, this research aims to bridge the gap by examining the nexus between CHR—employees’ perceptions of how their organisations prioritise well-being and support socially responsible initiatives—and IWB, mediated by TaW. This research contributes to management literature by utilising CHR, an underexplored yet important concept of the humanistic perspective of CSR and examining its indirect effect on IWB through TaW. Data were collected via an online survey from 250 full-time employees across various industries and analysed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). CHR positively affects TaW. Higher levels of TaW subsequently lead to increased IWB. Additionally, TaW mediates the relationship between CHR and IWB. The findings highlight the crucial role of CHR in boosting and sustaining employees’ IWB. Organisations must ensure their CSR programs reflect humanistic values promoting employee well-being. For instance, organisations could introduce mentorship programs that pair senior leaders with junior employees, fostering a culture of support and personal development that aligns with the humanistic values central to CHR.