Despite a plethora of literature on organizational climate for innovation and the persuasive arguments establishing its link to organizational performance, few studies hitherto have explored innovative work behavior of managers. Specifically, limited attention has been paid to explaining how organizations perceive the importance of stimulating innovative work environments. Drawing from organizational climate theory, this study investigates the mediating effects of innovative work behavior on the relationship between organizational climate for innovation and organizational performance. Our findings from a survey of 202 managers working in Malaysian companies demonstrate that innovative work behavior plays a mediating role in the relationship between organizational climate for innovation and organizational performance. Implications of these findings and avenues for future research are discussed. •Climate for innovation was positively associated with innovative work behavior.•Innovative work behavior was positively associated with organizational performance.•Climate for innovation was positively associated with organizational performance.•Findings showed the mediating role of innovative work behavior