Leadership and creativity: an empirical study on factors affecting work-related suggestions made by employees

Author(s): Krems, J. F.

Journal/Book: Z Arb Organisationspsychol. 1998; 42: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers. 27-32.

Abstract: This study examines whether two departments of an industrial plant differing in the number of suggestions submitted by employees to the company suggestion system working on the assembly line also differ in the leadership and management qualities of the foremen. The quality of management and leadership was measured by means of the FVVB (Fragebogen zur Vorgesetzten Verhaltensbeschreibung), a German version of the LBDQ (Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire). Additional questions asked for further derails about the employee's motivation and knowledge about the suggestion system of the organization. 81 employees of two departments - comparable in age, training and job characteristics - participated. A correlation was found between the suggestion rate and the dimensions friendliness, activation and cooperation of the German Version of the LBDQ. However, the dimension ''control'' did not differ between the departments. We also found a positive correlation between openness of the foremen and creativity of employees. The most important motive for participating in a recommendation procedure was the possibility of monetary awards. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for creativity-promoting leadership measures.

Note: Article Nickel TM, Univ Regensburg, Lehrstuhl Psychol 1, Univ Str 31, D-93053 Regensburg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): leadership; creativity; suggestion system; supervisor assessment

Zurück | Weiter