Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

8-2010

Abstract

Integrating and refining social interdependence theory and structural adaptation theory, we examined the effects of intergroup competition on the creativity of 70 four-person groups engaged in two idea generation tasks. We manipulated both group membership change (change, no change) and intergroup competition level (low, intermediate, high). Competition had the expected U-shaped relation with creativity in open (membership change) groups but failed to produce the hypothesized inverted U-shaped pattern in closed (no membership change) groups. In the latter, effects were positive for low to intermediate competition and flat for intermediate to high levels. Within-group collaboration mediated these effects.

Keywords

Creative ability, Intergroup relations

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Academy of Management Journal

Volume

53

Issue

4

First Page

827

Last Page

845

ISSN

0001-4273

Identifier

10.5465/AMJ.2010.52814611

Publisher

Academy of Management

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.5465/AMJ.2010.52814611

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