Abstract

In this research, we advance the behavioral ethics literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and conditions under which employee creativity relates to unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). Grounded in the self-interest motivation perspective of UPB and drawing from self-enhancement theory, we propose that employee creativity fosters psychological entitlement, which, in turn, motivates UPB. Furthermore, we propose that symmetrical internal communication (SIC) acts as a key contextual factor that moderates the mediating effect of psychological entitlement in the creativity–UPB relationship. Results from two field studies involving supervisor–employee dyads provide empirical support for our hypothesized model. Overall, our research not only contributes to the literature on UPB antecedents but also offers a novel counterproductive perspective on SIC. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings and offer interesting directions for future research.

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Year of Publication
2024
Journal
Journal of Business Ethics
Date Published
09/2024
Type of Article
Research
URL
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-024-05822-9
DOI
10.1007/s10551-024-05822-9
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How and When Does Employee Creativity Relate to Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior? Unmasking the Negative Side of Organizational Creativity

Associate Professor, Department of Management

Citation: 1.Hameed I, Arain GA, Hameed I, Gamage A, Muchiri M. How and When Does Employee Creativity Relate to Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior? Unmasking the Negative Side of Organizational Creativity. Journal of Business Ethics. 2024. doi:10.1007/s10551-024-05822-9

In: Journal of Business Ethics

Published by: , 2024

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