Exploring the Influence of Millennial 'Social Butterflies' on Bootleg Innovation: A Study of Moderated Mediation Effects

. The digital economy has brought about significant changes in the workplace, including the rise of virtual workspaces, organizational flattening, and virtualization. In this context, the mindset of millennial employees, characterized by a boundary-less perspective, social media competency, and future work self-salience, has emerged as a crucial factor influencing work behaviors. Drawing on the Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the mechanisms that shape the relationship between millennial employees' boundary-less mindset and bootleg innovation. The findings of the SEM analysis indicate that the boundary-less mindset significantly influences bootleg innovation behavior among millennial employees. Moreover, social media competency plays a significant role in driving bootleg innovation behavior. Notably, social media competency acts as a mediating factor between the boundary-less mindset and bootleg innovation. Furthermore, the study reveals that future work self-salience has a significant moderating and mediating effect on these relationships. This study offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to understand and manage millennial employees' bootleg innovation behaviors, as well as other related "spillover" or "deviant" behaviors, within the virtual workplace. By recognizing these behaviors and their underlying mechanisms, organizations can implement effective management and governance mechanisms to foster a positive and innovative work environment.