The relationship of collective creativity with managerial work and workplace climate in hierarchical and less hierarchical organizations

Abstract

Collective creativity, managerial work, and workplace climate can influence innovation, organizational learning, and productivity at work. However, little empirical research has examined these factors in everyday work, especially in relation to organizational hierarchies. This study explores the relationships among collective creativity, managerial work, and workplace climate in hierarchical and less hierarchical organizations. A quantitative empirical analysis was conducted using data from a survey of 265 respondents from six Finnish organizations. The findings show that managerial work and workplace climate that focus on building and maintaining trust and highlight empathy, fairness and equality, and collegial support, are important factors in the realization of collective creativity. However, these relationships did not vary in hierarchical and less hierarchical organizations. Findings of the study underline the essential role of managerial work in supporting collective creativity at work.