Suspicion, inclusive leadership and team innovation: A motivated information processing approach

Abstract

Suspicion has been linked to significant effects at work, yet its influence on teams remains largely unexplored. This gap in the literature is particularly surprising as initial evidence suggests that suspicion has the potential to engender both positive and negative behaviors. We draw on the motivated information processing theory of groups (MIP-G) to develop a model of suspicion’s effect on team innovation through the mediating role of minority dissent. Further, in recognition of the potential dysfunctional role of suspicion and dissent, we explore an important moderator of this mediated path: inclusive leadership. Survey results from a field study of healthcare teams lend support to our moderated mediation model. These results provide a valuable contribution to MIP-G, our understanding of the role of suspicion and inclusive leadership in team information-processing and innovation, and provide advice to HR managers on relevant leadership strategies.