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Creativity and Task Perception

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Grieco
  • Patrick Llerena
  • Anne-Gaëlle Maltese

Abstract

This paper explores how individuals perceive open versus closed tasks in creative contexts and how this perception influences their choice between these tasks. We find that perceptions of task openness align with existing assumptions in the creativity literature regarding goal clarity and the freedom to explore. Additionally, we show that the likelihood of choosing an open task increases with the perceived freedom to explore, while it decreases with goal clarity, particularly when incentives are present. The effects of self-selection on creative performance are then investigated.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Grieco & Patrick Llerena & Anne-Gaëlle Maltese, 2025. "Creativity and Task Perception," Working Papers of BETA 2025-16, Bureau d'Economie Théorique et Appliquée, UDS, Strasbourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulp:sbbeta:2025-16
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    File URL: http://beta.u-strasbg.fr/WP/2025/2025-16.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John A. List & Azeem M. Shaikh & Yang Xu, 2019. "Multiple hypothesis testing in experimental economics," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 22(4), pages 773-793, December.
    2. Gary Charness & Daniela Grieco, 2019. "Creativity and Incentives," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 17(2), pages 454-496.
    3. Sanjiv Erat & Uri Gneezy, 2017. "Erratum to: Incentives for creativity," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 20(1), pages 274-275, March.
    4. Dan Ariely & Uri Gneezy & George Loewenstein & Nina Mazar, 2009. "Large Stakes and Big Mistakes," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 76(2), pages 451-469.
    5. Danz, David, 2020. "Never underestimate your opponent: Hindsight bias causes overplacement and overentry into competition," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 588-603.
    6. Laske, Katharina & Schröder, Marina, 2017. "Quantity, Quality and Originality: The Effects of Incentives on Creativity," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168151, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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