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Just the Right Amount of Ethics Inspires Creativity: A Cross-Level Investigation of Ethical Leadership, Intrinsic Motivation, and Employee Creativity

Author

Listed:
  • Jie Feng

    (Rutgers University)

  • Yucheng Zhang

    (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics)

  • Xinmei Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Long Zhang

    (Hunan University)

  • Xiao Han

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Based on ideology-infused psychological contract theory and cognitive evaluation theory, this study investigated the curvilinear relationship between ethical leadership and employee creativity. A curvilinear mediation model was proposed to explain the impact of ethical leadership on creativity, using employee intrinsic motivation as the mediator. Applying a two wave sampling design that consist 258 employees and their leaders, we found that employee creativity improved as ethical leadership increased from low to moderate levels. However, the employee creativity improvement was attenuated when ethical leadership increased from moderate to high levels. Furthermore, the study also revealed that employee intrinsic motivation partially mediated this curvilinear relationship. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jie Feng & Yucheng Zhang & Xinmei Liu & Long Zhang & Xiao Han, 2018. "Just the Right Amount of Ethics Inspires Creativity: A Cross-Level Investigation of Ethical Leadership, Intrinsic Motivation, and Employee Creativity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(3), pages 645-658, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:153:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-016-3297-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3297-1
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    8. Yucheng Zhang & Long Zhang & Jingtao Zhu & Chih-Hsing Liu & Mengxi Yang & Guangjian Liu, 2023. "Group leader emotional intelligence and group performance: a multilevel perspective," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(2), pages 570-592, April.
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    22. Moh. Bahzar, 2019. "Effects of Green Transformational and Ethical Leadership on Green Creativity, Eco-Innovation and Energy Efficiency in Higher Education Sector of Indonesia," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 9(6), pages 408-414.

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