Interactive effects of growth need strength, work context, and job complexity on self-reported creative performance

Christina Shalley*, Lucy Gilson, Terry Blum

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

582 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose that "growth need strength" is an important individual factor for employees' creative performance. Using an interactionist perspective, we examine the relationship between growth need strength and a supportive work context on self-reported creativity across a wide range of jobs that vary in complexity. Controlling for the effects of individual factors that have been previously linked to creativity (i.e., creative personality, intrinsic motivation, and cognitive style), we find that growth need strength has both a positive main effect on creativity and an interactive effect with context. Furthermore, job complexity moderates this association. Implications for managers are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)489-505
Number of pages17
JournalAcademy of Management Journal
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2009
Externally publishedYes

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