Contextual factors affecting the influence of perceived organizational support on team innovation performance

Organizational behavior researchers and social exchange theorists recognize the important role organizational context plays in team performance, yet few researchers have systematically examined contextual variables. We investigated 127 scientific research teams in universities in China, and found that knowledge integration (KI) mediated the relationship between perceived organizational support and team innovative performance (TIP). We also found that climate for innovation and organizational context moderated the positive relationship between team KI behavior and TIP. Our findings indicate that in the knowledge management process, it is important for scientific research teams within universities to build up an atmosphere of aspiration, openness, tolerance, and acceptance of differences.