The influence of team-member exchange on self-reported creativity in the Korean information and communication technology (ICT) industry

Abstract

There have been some studies on the relationship between social exchange relationships and creativity in organizations, but researchers have little explored the effect of TMX (team-member exchange) and coworker behaviors on creativity. In this respect, we introduced into our research model TMX and coworker behaviors as social or contextual factors which might influence individual creativity within Korean ICT companies. Although CHS (Coworker helping and support) does not have a sufficient mediating effect on individual creativity, that factor is positively related to Individual creativity. On the other hand, FC (Feedback from Coworkers) does not influence individual creativity at all. However, we found that TMX directly and strongly influences individual creativity. Therefore, organizations should encourage employees to build a high level of social exchange relationships with coworkers. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.