Innovative Behavior: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Work Engagement of Gen Z employees

Karen Christabel Reviana (Management Department, Faculty of Business, Widya Mandala Catholic University, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Fenika Wulani (Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya)
Dominicus Wahyu Pradana (Management Department, Faculty of Business, Widya Mandala Catholic University, Surabaya, Indonesia)

Telaah Bisnis
Vol. 26 No. 2 (2025): December 2025

This study aims to analyze the influence of self-efficacy on innovative behavior mediated by work engagement among Gen Z employees. We conducted a survey using a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. A total of 155 responses were received from Gen Z employees in the three cities in East Java. We use SmartPLS software to analyze the data using the partial least squares–based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. The research results indicate that self-efficacy has a significant impact on innovative behavior. Moreover, we found that work engagement mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and innovative behavior. By understanding the factors influencing the innovative behavior of Gen Z employees, companies can effectively apply human resource management. Acquiring, developing, and retaining Gen Z employees with high self-efficacy is crucial for increasing work engagement and subsequently enhancing innovative behavior