The paradox of information and communication technology demands at work on creativity: The moderating effect of job autonomy
基于工作需求-资源理论，研究信息通信技术需求对员工创造力的双刃剑效应，发现工作自主性高时促进学习进而提升创造力，低时导致倦怠抑制创造力。
Abstract Although it is widely assumed that information and communication technology (ICT) demands are detrimental, ICT use‐related demands may have hidden benefits for creativity. In this research, we draw from the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory to examine when and how employees react to ICT demands in distinct ways. These distinct ways, in turn, will differentially predict employee creativity. Findings from a three‐wave, multisource field study conducted with 368 employees nested within research and development teams at 38 high‐technology firms in Southern China suggest that job autonomy functions as a key qualifier for the effects of ICT demands. Specifically, when faced with ICT demands, employees with low job autonomy are more likely to experience burnout that is negatively related to employees' creativity, whereas employees with high job autonomy are more likely to engage in learning that is positively related to employees' creativity. By identifying job autonomy as a boundary condition that can transform ICT demands from a liability into a catalyst for creativity, our work is an important extension of research on the effects of ICT demands.