Employee creativity in a digital era: the mediating role of social media

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1100-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawel Korzynski ◽  
Jordi Paniagua ◽  
Eduardo Rodriguez-Montemayor

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the use of social media can facilitate employee creativity. Departing from theories on social capital and knowledge management, this study examines the relationship among individual characteristics, the use of social technologies and employee creativity. The main hypothesis of the study is that online social networking mediates the relationship between personal innovativeness and creativity. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained through an online survey of 80 engineers and 12 managers working in a large IT company listed by the Fortune 500 (n1=80, n2=12). The empirical strategy relies on fixed-effects structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis with a quasi-experimental design to study the structural relationship among creativity, online social connectivity (OSC) and personal innovativeness. Findings The study provides three major findings. First, the results show that personal innovativeness regarding new technologies is positively associated with creativity. Second, 18 percent of the association between personal innovativeness and creativity is explained by the latent mediator OSC (a construct of online networking and knowledge management). More specifically, the partial mediation is driven by online networking, specifically establishing new connections. Finally, contrary to the expectations, there is no significant evidence that the relationship between creativity and personal innovativeness is mediated by online social knowledge management. Practical implications Understanding the ways in which online connections and online knowledge management as well as personal innovativeness are related to employee creativity helps in building innovative organizations. This study may facilitate recruitment and selection strategies and encourage organizations to implement platforms with user-friendly functionalities of connecting with other employees and searching data. Originality/value The main question of this study is whether all features related to social technologies make people more creative. Evidence is still scarce, but there are hints that creativity is not only an innate personal feature but also a social phenomenon. This study explains the benefits of OSC for enhancing employee creativity.

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asad Khan ◽  
Mohamad Noorman Masrek ◽  
Khalid Mahmood

PurposeIn addition to instrumental assumptions, behavioural researchers suggest the study of individual traits such as personal innovativeness (PI), users’ satisfaction and other theoretical beliefs for example quality and general usage patterns as the latent determinants of early and post-adoptions of technological innovations. In the context of Higher Education Commission digital library of Pakistan, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of PI, quality of digital resources and generic usability of digital libraries (DL) with users’ satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachTo guide the conceptual model of this study, five hypothesized relationships were formulated. Adopting a quantitative approach, snowball sampling techniques were used. A total of 464 users of DL enrolled in different programs of study in the universities of Pakistan participated and responded to the survey. For data analyses, partial least squares, a method in the structural equation modeling was used.FindingsAnalyses reveal positive and strong relationships of PI, quality of digital resources and generic usability of DL with users’ satisfaction. Thus, the findings of this study established personal traits as the significant determinants of intention to adopt DL.Research limitations/implicationsThe decision of effective adoption is manipulated by the extent of users’ willing (PI), level of satisfaction, the image of quality and users’ past experience with the use of related innovations. Thus, librarians in addition to the system features should also focus on individual characteristics and quality of resources that probably influence adequate adoption of DL.Originality/valueIn the Pakistani context, this study is the first attempt that examined the relationship of PI, the usability of DL and quality of digital resources with users’ satisfaction. Research model of this study can be used in future research. Also, this study extended the scope of theories of adoption towards DL.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shufang Yang ◽  
Lin Huang ◽  
Yanli Zhang ◽  
Pengzhu Zhang ◽  
Yuxiang Chris Zhao

PurposeThe literature reports inconsistent findings about the effects of social media usage (SMU). Researchers distinguish between active and passive social media usage (ASMU and PSMU), which can generate different effects on users by social support and social comparison mechanisms, respectively. Drawing on social presence theory (SPT), this study integrates an implicit social presence mechanism with the above two mechanisms to explicate the links between SMU and seniors' loneliness.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a field study by interviewing seniors living in eight aging care communities in China. Loneliness, social media activities and experiences with social media in terms of online social support (OSS), upward social comparison (USC) and social presence (SP) were assessed. Factor-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FindingsOSS can mediate the relationship between ASMU and seniors' loneliness. Moreover, SP mediates between ASMU, PSMU, and seniors' loneliness, and between OSS, USC and seniors' loneliness. OSS mediates the relationship between ASMU and SP, and USC mediates the relationship between PSMU and SP.Practical implicationsThis study shows that social media can alleviate seniors' loneliness, which could help relieve the pressures faced by health and social care systems. Social presence features are suggested to help older users interact with social health technologies in socially meaningful ways.Originality/valueThis study not only demonstrates that SP can play a crucial role in the relationship between both ASMU and PSMU and loneliness, but also unravels the links between SP and OSS, as well as USC.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Martinez-Conesa ◽  
Pedro Soto-Acosta ◽  
Elias George Carayannis

Purpose This study aims to shed light on the internal and external antecedents of open innovation (OI) in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a special focus on the role of knowledge management (KM) capability. The paper develops and tests an integrative research model which assesses the effect of internal factors on KM capability; the impact of organizational and external factors, namely, KM capability and environmental dynamism, on OI; and whether environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between KM capability and OI. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the knowledge-based view and the social exchange and the contingency theories, this paper develops an integrative research model which analyzes several relations between organizational antecedents of KM capability and its effect on OI by using covariance-based structural equation modeling on a data set of Spanish SMEs. Findings Results confirm that information technology-supported operations and commitment-based human resource practices have a positive and significant influence on KM capability. In contrast, results do not find support for the relationship between interdepartmental connectedness and KM capability, whereas both KM capability and environmental dynamism have a direct influence on OI. Originality/value This paper adds to existing research on OI, as it is the first study that addresses the critical role of KM capability for the implementation of OI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Zaitouni ◽  
Mohammed Laid Ouakouak

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a model in which antecedents of creativity are hypothesized to lead to enhance employee creativity and, subsequently, to increase innovative performance outcomes. Leader–member exchange (LMX) is posited as a moderator of the leader encouragement of creativity and employee creativity relationship. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a sample of 163 employees working in various service organizations in Kuwait and pursuing an MBA. Structural equation modeling techniques with AMOS software were used to assess the relationships between the different constructs. Findings The findings show that all creativity antecedents are positively and significantly related to individual creativity, except for leader encouragement of creativity and perceived organizational support. The results show also that LMX mediates the relationship between leader encouragement of creativity and individual creativity, and that intrinsic motivation moderates the relationship between perceived organizational support and individual creativity. Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations including a small sample size, cross-sectional design, same-source bias and one point in time data. Future studies could examine these findings in different settings, use longitudinal design and capture a full range of creativity antecedents, Originality/value This study is the first to theorize and identify antecedents that promote individual creativity in a collectivist context (i.e. Kuwait). Moreover, this study is unique in that we predict that employee creativity is a mediating mechanism that can explain the link between creativity antecedents and creativity outcomes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeevan Jyoti ◽  
Manisha Dev

Purpose – This research aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. In addition, we intend to study the moderating role played by learning orientation in the relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. Design/methodology/approach – Data have been collected from employees working at the Airtel and Aircel call centers of J&K (India). A two-step approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the proposed measurement model fit and construct validity. The structural model was generated to test the significance of the theoretical relationships. Findings – The results revealed that there is a positive relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity, and it is being moderated by learning orientation. Research limitations/implications – Although this study expands our knowledge about the role of learning orientation between transformational leadership and employee creativity, the prospects for further research are still present. The cross-sectional design of study might not have been able to extract the true essence of the cause-and-effect relationship between transformational leadership and employee creativity. Practical implications – Transformational leaders promote followers’ creativity, so the management may find it valuable to invest in transformational leadership training for supervisors and team leaders, or use personality testing to screen for high-caliber candidates, who have high potential of becoming a transformational leader. The characteristics of a transformational leader, when coupled with the learning orientation of employees, yield positive results in the form of employee creativity, which managers can use to generate sustainable competitive advantages for their organizations. Originality/value – This paper is original, as it contributes to existing theory by establishing the moderating role played by learning orientation in between transformational leadership and employee creativity. The moderation has been proved via SEM with the help of latent constructs, which is seldom done.


Author(s):  
Mohd Rosli Mohamad ◽  
Normayuni Mat Zin

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the mediating effects of innovation on the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from small construction firms in the Eastern Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Out of the 190 construction firms surveyed, 153 (80.5%) respondents returned their completed questionnaire. These were used for data analysis. The data were then analyzed using the covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Knowledge management had a direct and significant positive effect on firm competitiveness. Nonetheless, the effect of knowledge management on firm competitiveness was mediated by innovation. This indicates that knowledge management should be supported by technical and administrative innovations in the firm. Research limitations/implications The data collected were from a limited sample of construction firms. In addition, conducting a study on a region of Malaysia may limit the generalizability of the model. Practical implications While knowledge management is crucial for a firm’s competitiveness, technical and administrative innovations must be concurrently improved for a stronger firm competitiveness. This is especially true in terms of financial strength and core competence. Originality/value This paper provides some empirical evidence that technical and administrative innovations fully mediated the relationship between knowledge management and firm competitiveness. The results consolidate the resource-based view on the importance of internal resource and capability of the firm and improve KM research area. It also strengthens the view that KM is a critical factor for firm competitiveness, but a good KM without strong innovation will not increase the competitiveness of small construction firms.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meesha Gupta ◽  
Asif Ali Syed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, empirically analyze and validate the relationship between various social media marketing activities influencing the attitude of Indian consumers toward green products and their willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for them. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 536 respondents who not only use various social media channels for purchases and gaining information but also prefer and buy green products across India. Exploratory factor analysis was done for the refinement and validation of the questionnaire items, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship among various variables. Findings The findings of the empirical study confer consumer’s attitude toward green products being shaped by four main social media marketing activities, namely, word of mouth, interaction, entertainment and customization, whereas trendiness was found to be insignificant toward predicting consumer’s attitude. The positive attitude so formed has a significant and positive impact on the willingness of consumers to pay a premium price for green products. Originality/value This research takes a lead in analyzing the construct WTP a premium for green products because this has been comparably less explored in Indian context. As spending a little extra by Indian consumers is a super sensitive issue, studying their willingness is therefore an important construct to be taken into account.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Zhou ◽  
Jian Mou ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Yenchun Jim Wu

PurposePrevious studies overemphasize the negative effects of social media usage (SMU) within organizations and underestimate its positive influences on employees' behavior. This study attempts to link employees' social media use at work to their creativity performance.Design/methodology/approachBased on the bounded generalized reciprocity theory and unbounded indirect reciprocity (UIR) theory, the authors developed a research model. To test the model, the authors collected a set of 172 paired data of organizations and employees from 31 knowledge-intensive enterprises in China to test the hypothesis.FindingsThis research found that the social, cognitive and hedonic uses of social media all directly affect employee creativity. Relational energy fully mediates the effects of the cognitive and hedonic usages on creativity. Moreover, job autonomy moderates the effects of the relationships among the social, cognitive and hedonic uses on employee creativity.Originality/valueThe conclusions not only enriched authors’ understanding of the effectiveness of interpersonal interaction but also extended the research boundary of the relationship between SMU and employee creativity.


2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyea Kim ◽  
Mina Jun ◽  
Jeongsoo Han

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the information sharing behavior of individuals on social media. Furthermore, the study analyzes the effect that individuals’ self-connection to social media has on information sharing through self-efficacy and the effect of social-connection on information sharing through empathy.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to social media users from general participants in the Republic of Korea. A total of 824 valid responses were obtained. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and applying SmartPLS 3.0.FindingsThe result indicated that individuals are motivated to share information through self-connection and social connection. Furthermore, the mediation analysis revealed that the effect of self-connection on information sharing in social media is mediated by self-efficacy. Also, social connection will increase information sharing not only directly but also indirectly through its positive effect on empathy.Originality/valueThe authors focused on the basic needs of humans and tried to reveal the relationship between human needs and motivational beliefs, which are self-efficacy and empathy, and information sharing behavior on social media. Through the individual's fundamental needs that social media can satisfy, individuals will gain positive psychological benefits through using social media. This study considered what psychological benefits social media can provide.


Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1731-1756
Author(s):  
Ali Akbar Haddadi Harandi ◽  
Mona Bokharaei Nia ◽  
Changiz Valmohammadi

Purpose The importance of e-literacy of staff in the digital life is fundamentally very crucial, to such an extent that it is considered as one of the primary conditions for successful utilization of knowledge management processes using social technologies within organizations. This study aims to explain and test a novel conceptual model to show the impact of applying social technologies on knowledge management (KM) processes in the context of Iranian organizations, considering the moderator role of e-literacy of employees. Design/methodology/approach Based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a questionnaire was designed. The sound questionnaires obtained from our sample size was 207 and respondents were experts in the field of information technology (IT) within the Central Office of Insurance companies in Tehran. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and path analysis. Findings The results indicate that the use of social technologies with the factor loading of 0.57 has the highest impact on knowledge exchange and 0.61 on knowledge utilization. In addition, the results indicate that e-literacy with the factor loadings of 0.69 and 0.74 has the highest impact on knowledge exchange and knowledge utilization, respectively. In addition, the impact of social technologies with the factor loading of 0.82 has the highest impact on e-literacy. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations of this study was the generalizability of the findings, which may be limited, as it is focused on one developing country. Also, the lack of full implementation of KM and the use of social technologies in the insurance industry may affect the obtained results. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is among the first of its kind which examines the impact of social technologies usage on the KM processes considering an important variable, i.e. e-literacy of employees.


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