Creative performance in the workplace: The roles of Simmelian ties and communication media

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of three attributes of dyadic ties – Simmelian advice ties, Simmelian friendship ties, and communication media mix (i.e. the ratio of computer-mediated communication (CMC) to face-to-face (FTF) communication) – on the generation of creative ideas. A paper-based network survey was conducted in an R&D department that has a high demand for creative works. The findings showed that Simmelian advice ties and communication media mix have positive impacts on the generation of creative ideas. Moreover, the positive impact of Simmelian advice ties is amplified when two employees engage in more FTF communication than CMC. Additionally, Simmelian friendship ties have a significant and positive impact on the generation of creative ideas when two employees engage in more CMC than FTF communication. We discuss both the theoretical and practical contributions of this study based on these findings.