Universal Journal of Management Vol. 11(2), pp. 33 - 48
DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2023.110201
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What Drives Creativity in the Workplace? Exchange and Contextual Variables in Their Relationship to Supervisor and Self-Report Creativity

Aaron Cohen ^*, Avi Vainberg
Department of Public Administration, School of Political Science, University of Haifa, Israel

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the association between exchange and situational variables and schoolteachers' creativity. Hypotheses are based on the fairness heuristic theory and the exchange theory. The explanatory model included perceived justice, organizational culture, psychological well-being, psychological contract breach, transactional and relational obligations, and demographic control variables. The dependent variable was self-report and principal report creativity. Two different samples of Israeli teachers were surveyed, the second one a year after the first. The first survey (N = 191) asked teachers and their principals about their perceptions regarding creativity. In the second sample (N=146), perceptions were reported only by the teachers. The findings showed that teachers' perceived well-being has a solid relationship with the principal report of creativity in the first sample and self-report creativity in both samples. In addition, the first sample found a robust positive association between procedural justice and creativity (principal report and self-report). The findings also showed a positive association between employee relational obligations and self-report creativity in both samples. Interestingly, no noteworthy differences were found in the correlates of self-reported creativity and principal-reported creativity. The findings suggest that employees' positive mood should be a fundamental goal for employers who expect high levels of creativity from their teachers. In addition, employers should provide employees with a supportive and just work environment that encourages creativity.

KEYWORDS
Creativity, Justice, Organizational Climate, Psychological Well-Being, Psychological Contract Breach, Transactional and Relational Obligations

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Aaron Cohen , Avi Vainberg , "What Drives Creativity in the Workplace? Exchange and Contextual Variables in Their Relationship to Supervisor and Self-Report Creativity," Universal Journal of Management, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 33 - 48, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2023.110201.

(b). APA Format:
Aaron Cohen , Avi Vainberg (2023). What Drives Creativity in the Workplace? Exchange and Contextual Variables in Their Relationship to Supervisor and Self-Report Creativity. Universal Journal of Management, 11(2), 33 - 48. DOI: 10.13189/ujm.2023.110201.