A Multi-Level Analysis of Structuring Human Resource Management Processes and Creativity in Teams

This cross-level study examines of whether and why structuring of human resource management (HRM) processes may hinder or facilitate employee creativity in work teams. It is posited that the link between structuring of HRM processes and creativity is mediated by team-level properties (team human capital and social capital) and individual growth satisfaction. The results of Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) indicate that structuring of HRM processes at low levels is significantly related to employee creativity. We also consider employee growth satisfaction as a mechanism that translates structuring into creativity, and found a curvilinear relationship between structuring and growth satisfaction. These findings indicate complex indirect relationships between structuring and creativity in which structuring helps to cultivate team human capital and social capital which facilitates growth satisfaction; the latter, in turn, is positively associated with employee creativity.