Individual exploratory behaviors: Construct development and validation of a measurement scale

Purpose: This paper introduces the construct of individual exploratory behaviors (IEBs) illustrates the development and the validation of a 12-item scale which encompasses three behavioral components (questioning the status quo, observing the world for new ideas, and experimenting ideas). Design/Methodology /Approach/Intervention: This paper carries out three studies. Study 1 (sample n=325) illustrates the exploratory factor analysis and the final set of items. It introduces the results of reactivity analysis considering social desirability and the construct validity analysis. It also assesses discriminant validity and convergent validity. Study 2 (sample n=457) conducts the confirmatory factor analysis and Study 3 (sample n=121), through a Structural Equation Modeling, tests the concurrent validity of the IEBs scale considering its association with radical innovation. Results: The results support the reliability and validity of the IEBs measure. Specifically, the paper shows the positive association of IEBs with radical innovation, as a measure of innovative outcome, and with risk taking and self-confidence as antecedents of IEBs. Limitations: The study does not include predictive validity analysis that requires collecting time-lagged data. Future research could provide evidence of the scale stability through test-retest correlations and improve the scale validity considering other well-established scales of creative behaviors. Research/Practical Implications: Both scholars and practitioners can benefit from the scale in understanding the impact of the individual behaviors on innovation outcomes, for assessment, educational and institutional purposes. Originality/Value: It represents the first attempt to conceptualize and clearly untangle the different types of behaviors that individuals may engage during the process of idea exploration.