Job autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and creativity: Cross-level moderating effects of team conflict

Job autonomy is crucial for employee creativity. However, findings in past research on the relationship between creativity and job autonomy have been inconsistent. In this study we explored the mechanism and boundary condition underlying the relationship between job autonomy and employee creativity. Using data obtained through a survey conducted with 86 supervisors and 307 subordinates in 86 teams, we found that job autonomy positively predicted employee creativity through intrinsic motivation. Moreover, team relationship conflict negatively moderated the relationship between job autonomy and employee intrinsic motivation, and task conflict positively moderated this relationship. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.