How and When Does Employee Creativity Relate to Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior? Unmasking the Negative Side of Organizational Creativity

Imran Hameed (), Ghulam Ali Arain (), Irfan Hameed (), Ancy Gamage () and Michael K. Muchiri ()
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Imran Hameed: Sohar University
Ghulam Ali Arain: Lahore University of Management Sciences
Irfan Hameed: Taylor’s University
Ancy Gamage: RMIT University
Michael K. Muchiri: Alfaisal University

Journal of Business Ethics, 2025, vol. 199, issue 2, No 5, 349 pages

Abstract: Abstract In this research, we advance the behavioral ethics literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and conditions under which employee creativity relates to unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). Grounded in the self-interest motivation perspective of UPB and drawing from self-enhancement theory, we propose that employee creativity fosters psychological entitlement, which, in turn, motivates UPB. Furthermore, we propose that symmetrical internal communication (SIC) acts as a key contextual factor that moderates the mediating effect of psychological entitlement in the creativity–UPB relationship. Results from two field studies involving supervisor–employee dyads provide empirical support for our hypothesized model. Overall, our research not only contributes to the literature on UPB antecedents but also offers a novel counterproductive perspective on SIC. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings and offer interesting directions for future research.

Keywords: Employee creativity; Unethical pro-organizational behavior; Self-interest motive; Symmetrical internal communication; Psychological entitlement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05822-9

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