Preprint / Version 1

The Impact of Understaffing on Innovation Activities

Focusing on Individual Attitudes, Motivation, and Performance

##article.authors##

  • Sakura Muranaka College of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies, Kanazawa University
  • Daisuke Kanama Faculty of Transdisciplinary Sciences, Kanazawa University https://researchmap.jp/kanamadaisuke

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51094/jxiv.1334

Keywords:

understaffing, attitude, motivation, performance, innovation activities

Abstract

This study examines the impact of understaffing on individual attitudes, motivation, and performance in innovation activities. While previous research has shown that understaffing can have both positive and negative effects on these factors, its intensity has not been sufficiently considered. Additionally, despite the recognized importance of understaffing in innovation activities, empirical studies on this relationship remain limited. This study focuses on employees engaged in R&D, a crucial aspect of innovation, and investigates in detail how understaffing affects their attitudes, motivation, and performance. By conceptualizing the strength of an individual perception of understaffing as the intensity of understaffing, the study further examines its effects on key outcome variables. The findings reveal that the impact of understaffing differs across these three factors. Specifically, understaffing negatively affects individuals’ learning orientation, follows an inverted U-shaped relationship with motivation, and positively influences performance.

Conflicts of Interest Disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose in relation to this research.

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Posted


Submitted: 2025-06-27 04:52:13 UTC

Published: 2025-07-01 00:57:35 UTC
Section
Economics, Business & Management