The paradox of information and communication technology demands at work on creativity
The moderating effect of job autonomy
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7472113 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Huan Cheng (0000-0002-3676-8535, Business School Hubei University Wuhan China), Zijing Wang (0000-0002-4405-2764, School of Management Wuhan University of Technology Wuhan China, corresponding author), Jianping Peng (0009-0000-0821-3279, School of Internet Economics and Business Fujian University of Technology Fuzhou China), Yuping Xu (0000-0003-2602-3107, Shandong Institute of Talent Development Strategy Shandong University Jinan China), Wenjun Yin (0000-0001-9934-8354, School of Economy and Management Hubei University of Science and Technology Xianning China) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Applied Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0269-994X • E-ISSN: 1464-0597 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/apps.70067 |
| OpenAlex | W7125586302 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 80 |
Although it is widely assumed that information and communication technology (ICT) demands are detrimental, ICT use‐related demands may have hidden benefits for creativity. In this research, we draw from the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory to examine when and how employees react to ICT demands in distinct ways. These distinct ways, in turn, will differentially predict employee creativity. Findings from a three‐wave, multisource field study conducted with 368 employees nested within research and development teams at 38 high‐technology firms in Southern China suggest that job autonomy functions as a key qualifier for the effects of ICT demands. Specifically, when faced with ICT demands, employees with low job autonomy are more likely to experience burnout that is negatively related to employees' creativity, whereas employees with high job autonomy are more likely to engage in learning that is positively related to employees' creativity. By identifying job autonomy as a boundary condition that can transform ICT demands from a liability into a catalyst for creativity, our work is an important extension of research on the effects of ICT demands
Autonomy · Field (mathematics · Information and Communications Technology · Information technology · Job design · Job performance · Work (physics · Creativity in Education and Neuroscience · Cyberloafing and Workplace Behavior · Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior
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| Highly cited | No |
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