Knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between Zhongyong thinking and employee creativity

Abstract

Zhongyong thinking is the Confucian doctrine of the mean; zhong means equilibrium and yong means harmoniousness, so that Zhongyong thinking represents maintaining balance and harmony. I examined the mediating effect of knowledge sharing in the relationship between Zhongyong thinking and employee creativity in a Chinese context. I collected 285 paired surveys from part-time Master of Business Administration students who self-rated their Zhongyong thinking and knowledge sharing in their workplace, and their supervisors who rated their creativity. Results of structural equation modeling analysis reveal that Zhongyong thinking had a positive indirect relationship with employee creativity through the mediator of knowledge sharing. These findings shed light on the ways in which Zhongyong thinking helps to enhance employee creativity. Managers of organizations should pay attention to improving employees' Zhongyong thinking and facilitating employees' knowledge sharing. Study limitations and suggestions for future research directions are discussed.