Benevolent ethical climate and creative behavior: The sequential moderating role of work autonomy and intrinsic motivation in the Colombian electricity sector

Abstract

The organizational expansion of the Colombian electricity sector, supported by constant creative performance, must be filtered through ethical behaviors to prevent irregular behaviors. Therefore, this research seeks to identify how benevolent ethical climates relate to creative behavior, through a progressive moderation of work autonomy and intrinsic motivation. The sample consist of 448 employees of the Colombian electricity sector. Highlighted among the results is that a benevolent ethical climate is directly linked to the creativity of professional employees. Additionally, the breadth of work autonomy does not influence creative behavior unless the perceived intrinsic motivation is at medium or high levels. In conclusion, the relationship between benevolent ethical climates and creative behavior depends, to a large extent, on having a sufficient perception of intrinsic motivation. When interpreted as weak, intrinsic motivation hinders the beneficial effects of work freedom and flexibility.