Information system users’ creativity
基于心流和认知负荷理论，通过元分析结构方程模型，研究了信息系统如何通过降低认知负荷和促进心流状态来提升用户的创造性表现，对学者和从业者均有参考价值。
Purpose Information technology has been recognized as one of the keys to improved productivity in organizations. Yet, existing research has not paid sufficient attention to how information systems (ISs) influence the creative performance of individual users. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on the theories of flow and cognitive load to establish a model of the predicted influences. The authors hypothesize that the information technology supports creativity by engaging individuals in a creative process and by lowering their cognitive load related to the process. To test these hypotheses, the authors employ a meta-analytical structural equation modeling approach using 24 previous studies on creativity and ISs use. Findings The results suggest that factors that help the user to maintain an interest in the performed task, immerse the user in a state of flow, and lower a person’s cognitive load during IS use can affect the user’s creative performance. Research limitations/implications The findings imply that a combination of the theories of flow and cognitive load complements the understanding of how ISs influence creativity. Originality/value This paper proposes an explanation on why ISs affect creativity, which can be used by scholars to position further research, and by practitioners to implement creativity support systems.