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“Switching On” creativity: Task switching can increase creativity by reducing cognitive fixation

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  • Lu, Jackson G.
  • Akinola, Modupe
  • Mason, Malia F.

Abstract

Whereas past research has focused on the downsides of task switching, the present research uncovers a potential upside: increased creativity. In two experiments, we show that task switching can enhance two principal forms of creativity—divergent thinking (Study 1) and convergent thinking (Study 2)—in part because temporarily setting a task aside reduces cognitive fixation. Participants who continually alternated back and forth between two creativity tasks outperformed both participants who switched between the tasks at their discretion and participants who attempted one task for the first half of the allotted time before switching to the other task for the second half. Importantly, Studies 3a–3d reveal that people overwhelmingly fail to adopt a continual-switch approach when incentivized to choose a task switching strategy that would maximize their creative performance. These findings provide insights into how individuals can “switch on” creativity when navigating multiple creative tasks.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu, Jackson G. & Akinola, Modupe & Mason, Malia F., 2017. "“Switching On” creativity: Task switching can increase creativity by reducing cognitive fixation," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 63-75.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:139:y:2017:i:c:p:63-75
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2017.01.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chiu, Chi-yue & Kwan, Letty Y-Y., 2010. "Culture and Creativity: A Process Model," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(3), pages 447-461, November.
    2. Leroy, Sophie, 2009. "Why is it so hard to do my work? The challenge of attention residue when switching between work tasks," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 109(2), pages 168-181, July.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Liu, Xin Lucy & Lu, Jackson G. & Zhang, Hongyu & Cai, Yahua, 2021. "Helping the organization but hurting yourself: How employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior predicts work-to-life conflict," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 88-100.
    3. Takumi Nakagawa & Ibuki Koan & Chong Chen & Toshio Matsubara & Kosuke Hagiwara & Huijie Lei & Masako Hirotsu & Hirotaka Yamagata & Shin Nakagawa, 2020. "Regular Moderate- to Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity Rather Than Walking Is Associated with Enhanced Cognitive Functions and Mental Health in Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-14, January.
    4. Xu, Shuling & Hall, Nicholas G., 2021. "Fatigue, personnel scheduling and operations: Review and research opportunities," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 295(3), pages 807-822.
    5. Zhu, Lily Yuxuan & Bauman, Christopher W. & Young, Maia J, 2023. "Unlocking creative potential: Reappraising emotional events facilitates creativity for conventional thinkers," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    6. Claire Heeryung Kim & Kelly B. Herd & H. Shanker Krishnan, 2023. "The creative touch: the influence of haptics on creativity," Marketing Letters, Springer, vol. 34(1), pages 113-124, March.
    7. Bacolod, Marigee & Blum, Bernardo S. & Rangel, Marcos A. & Strange, William C., 2023. "Learners in cities: Agglomeration and the spatial division of cognition," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
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    9. Buddhika Bellana & Abhijit Mahabal & Christopher J. Honey, 2022. "Narrative thinking lingers in spontaneous thought," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    10. Lucas, Brian J. & Mai, Ke Michael, 2022. "Illumination and elbow grease: A theory of how mental models of the creative process influence creativity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).

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