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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Imran Hameed & Ghulam Ali Arain & Irfan Hameed & Ancy Gamage & Michael K. Muchiri, 2025. "How and When Does Employee Creativity Relate to Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior? Unmasking the Negative Side of Organizational Creativity," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 199(2), pages 331-349, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:199:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-024-05822-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05822-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Melissa Baucus & William Norton & David Baucus & Sherrie Human, 2008. "Fostering Creativity and Innovation without Encouraging Unethical Behavior," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 81(1), pages 97-115, August.
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    7. Xiaoyu Wang & Xiaotong (Janey) Zheng & Shuming Zhao, 2022. "Repaying the Debt: An Examination of the Relationship between Perceived Organizational Support and Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior by Low Performers," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(3), pages 697-709, September.
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