Configuring challenge and hindrance contexts for introversion and creativity: Joint effects of task complexity and guanxi management

Abstract

We conducted a phenomenon-based research study in China. Starting with interviews and observations to capture the phenomenon, we built on and extended the challenge stressor–hindrance stressor framework to investigate how task complexity interacts with managing guanxi with a supervisor to influence the relationship between introversion and creativity. In Study 1, using a sample of 597 employees and their supervisors, we hypothesized and found a three-way interaction effect between introversion, task complexity, and guanxi management. For employees who scored high on the introversion trait continuum, the joint condition of high task complexity and low guanxi management was the most conducive to creativity and the joint condition of low task complexity and high guanxi management was the least conducive. The beneficial effect of high task complexity and low guanxi management gradually diminished and ultimately disappeared as employees scored lower on the introversion continuum, whereas the adverse effect of low task complexity and high guanxi management gradually appeared and ultimately intensified rapidly as employees moved from lower to higher levels of introversion. In Study 2, we replicated these results using a sample of 243 employees and their supervisors from a different industry. We discuss the implications of these results for future research and management practice.