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Sparking creativity using extrinsic rewards: A self‐determination theory perspective

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The relationship between extrinsic rewards and creativity has been subject to ongoing debate within the human resource management and creativity literatures. More research on the mechanisms and boundary conditions has been called for. In this study, using 187 employee‐supervisor dyads in an electronics manufacturing company, we investigated how and when creativity‐contingent extrinsic rewards (CER) may foster creativity among manufacturing employees. Drawing on self‐determination theory, we hypothesized, and found that employee intrinsic motivation mediated the relationship between CER and employee creativity. This relationship was the strongest when employees rated their leader‐member exchange (LMX) as high. The findings reveal the important role of CER in guiding manufacturing employees' intrinsic motivation and stimulating creativity. The identification of LMX as a moderator uncovers crucial boundary conditions of this relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Source: Human Resource Management

DOI: 10.1002/hrm.22128

Authors: Caihui (Veronica) Lin, Helen Shipton, Weili Teng, Adam Kitt, Hoa Do, Clint Chadwick

Institutions: The University of Queensland, Nottingham Trent University, Aston University, University of Kansas

Language: English

Topic: Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior

Subfield: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650