Antecedents of Creativity in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Job Demand-Resources Perspective

Abstract Creativity is an essential factor determining whether small and medium-sized enterprises survive during times of crisis. The current study aims to examine determinants of creativity using a serial mediational model, developed and tested on 246 workers employed in Norwegian small and medium-sized enterprises, applying structural equation modelling. Data were collected in June 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We included factors related to job demands (hindrance demands and challenge demands), job resources (autonomy), and personal resources (self-efficacy, resilience, and growth mindset) to determine their direct and indirect associations with creativity. Both hindrance demands and challenge demands were directly related to self-efficacy and indirectly related to creativity through self-efficacy. A direct association was discovered between hindrance demands and autonomy. All effects from hindrance demands were also indirectly related to creativity through self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was positively related to creativity. This study illustrates the importance of incorporating several mediators when investigating antecedents of creativity, as some factors may not be significant when assessed together with competing concepts. Recommendations and implications for practitioners and individuals are discussed.