Promoting creativity at work: the role of problem-solving demand

Qin Zhou; Giles Hirst; Helen Shipton

doi:10.1111/j.1464-0597.2011.00455.x

Promoting creativity at work: the role of problem-solving demand

Qin Zhou, Giles Hirst, Helen Shipton

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

We propose that problem-solving demand (PSD) is an important job attribute for employees' creative performance. Applying job design theory, we examined the relationship between PSD and employee creativity. The theorised model was tested with data obtained from a sample of 270 employees and their supervisors from three Chinese organisations. Regression results revealed that PSD was positively related to creativity, and this relationship was mediated by creative self-efficacy. Additionally, intrinsic motivation moderated the relationship between PSD and creative self-efficacy such that the relationship was stronger for individuals with high rather than low intrinsic motivation. We discuss our findings, implications for practice, and future research.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	56-80
Number of pages	25
Journal	Applied Psychology
Volume	61
Issue number	1
Early online date	5 Jun 2011
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.2011.00455.x
Publication status	Published - Jan 2012

Keywords

problem-solving demand
PSD
employees' creative performance
job design theory
employee creativity
Chinese organisations
creative self-efficacy
intrinsic motivation

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10.1111/j.1464-0597.2011.00455.x

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Promoting creativity at work: the role of problem-solving demand

Abstract

Keywords

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