Predicting breakthrough innovation engagement via hybrid intelligence: a moderated mediation model of self-extinction and social intelligence

PurposeThis study aims at investigating how hybrid intelligence might enhance employee engagement in breakthrough innovation. Specifically, it empirically examines the mediating role of self-extinction and moderating role of social intelligence.Design/methodology/approachThis study, using the lens of socio-technical system (STS) theory, collected data from 317 employees through cross-sectional survey. The hypotheses were tested using MPlus 8.3 by applying Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).FindingsThe results support the proposed model, suggesting that hybrid intelligence fosters employees' breakthrough innovation engagement and such a relationship is fully mediated by self-extinction. Besides, the findings provide support for the positive moderating impact of social intelligence on such indirect relationships in a way that high social intelligence will further strengthen the relationship.Originality/valueAs a pioneering contribution, the study uncovers the social mechanism that underlies hybrid intelligence–breakthrough innovation engagement relationship via self-extinction. The research suggests managers leveraging employees' social intelligence for playing a critical role in countering the negative impact of self-extinction by enhancing the employees' engagement in the breakthrough innovation process.