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How does work curiosity affect employees' creativity and innovation: Do task characteristics matter?

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  • Chen, Huei-Ying
  • Chang, Yu-Yu
  • Yang, Yun-Ju

Abstract

This study examines how two distinct types of work curiosity, interest induction (I-type curiosity) and deprivation elimination (D-type curiosity), influence employees' creativity and innovation performance in Taiwan's high-tech industry. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory and Person-Environment Fit Theory, we propose a moderated mediation model in which I-type and D-type curiosity enhance incremental and radical creativity. These forms of creativity, in turn, mediate the relationship between work curiosity and innovation performance. Additionally, we investigate how task variety and task specialization moderate the effects of curiosity on creativity. Survey data from 402 employees across high-tech firms reveal that both types of curiosity positively influence creativity, contributing to innovation performance. Notably, task variety amplifies the effects of I-type curiosity on both incremental and radical creativity, whereas task specialization strengthens the impact of D-type curiosity on radical creativity. These findings underscore the importance of aligning task characteristics with specific types of curiosity to optimize creativity and innovation. This study advances theoretical understanding of how workplace curiosity drives innovation outcomes and offers practical insights for human resource management and task design in innovation-driven contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Huei-Ying & Chang, Yu-Yu & Yang, Yun-Ju, 2025. "How does work curiosity affect employees' creativity and innovation: Do task characteristics matter?," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:techno:v:146:y:2025:i:c:s0166497225001208
    DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2025.103288
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