Creative Personality, Team Conflict Profiles, and Team Outcomes

Abstract

We develop theory using a novel conceptualization of creative personality to explain how implicit creative personality predicts the development of conflict in teams. Specifically, we contend that implicit creative personality is useful for predicting differing profiles of team conflict that subsequently predict important team outcomes, including performance. Informed by the complexity perspective on conflict, we demonstrate that higher team average levels of implicit creative personality are associated with functional profiles of team conflict that are indicative of team norms of ‘lively debate’ and a robust work ethic, both of which are ultimately beneficial to multiple aspects of team effectiveness. The findings from two samples (including more than 900 individuals in over 240 teams) of undergraduate students largely support our theory. This investigation of the influence of implicit aspects of creative personality on team effectiveness through team conflict offers clarity regarding the way in which creative personality affects team processes and team outcomes. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.