Intrinsic Motivation from Low Task-Conflict-Asymmetry Fosters the Independent Self's Creativity

Using an interactional approach between individual and situational predictors for creativity, this study examined the relationship among the independent self (who places importance in expressing personal ideas), task conflict average vs. asymmetry, and individual creativity. Conflict average is the previous assumption that all the members perceive the same level of the conflict while conflict asymmetry is the new assumption that members perceive the different level of the conflict. An experimental study using 159 participants with full-time work experience showed that the independent self displayed more creativity under low (vs. high) task-conflict-asymmetry, in which the self perceives a lower (vs. higher) level of conflict than others. Intrinsic motivation, a desire to make considerable effort based on interest, mediated the relationship between the independent self under a low task-conflict-asymmetry and his or her creativity. Task conflict average had no effect on the independent self's creativity. We discuss practical and theoretical implications of these results and suggestions for the future research.