Impacts of work-related rumination on employee’s innovative performance: based on the conservation of resources theory

Purpose This paper aims to examine the double-edged sword effects of work-related rumination on employees’ innovative performance. Drawing upon Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study developed a model to reveal the mechanism through which work-related rumination affects employees’ innovative performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a sample of employees and their managers at an information technology services firm in China. A two-wave data collection method with a one-month interval was employed. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling on 482 paired manager-subordinate responses. Findings Our findings highlight the complex interplay between work-related rumination and innovative performance. Specifically, affective rumination was found to detract from employees’ innovative performance, whereas problem-solving pondering had a positive effect. Notably, creative self-efficacy emerged as a key mediator in these relationships. Furthermore, employees’ perceived organizational support moderated the impact of rumination on creative self-efficacy and, consequently, on innovative performance, buffering the negative effects of affective rumination and enhancing the positive effects of problem-solving pondering. Originality/value Firstly, it enriches the existing literature on work-related rumination by exploring its nuanced influence on employees’ innovative performance. Secondly, it illuminates the underlying mechanism through which work-related rumination affects innovative performance, mediated by creative self-efficacy. Lastly, it highlights the crucial role of perceived organizational support in moderating these relationships, offering valuable insights for practitioners seeking to foster a more innovative work environment.