Does Stress Lead to Creativity?: The Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Individual Innovative Behavior

Abstract

Individual innovative behavior can have important implications for organizations. This article studies the relationship between occupational stress and individual innovative behavior. Data from 139 subjects from the US was analyzed using structural equation modeling as the technique. Results from partial least squares show that there is a positive and significant relationship between both constructs. Moreover, both variables present a U form relationship. Based on this research, it could be concluded that occupational stress could influence positively innovative behavior at work. Practical implications suggest that innovative behavior could be boost by identifying conditions at work that could produce time pressure. Elements such as work overload, feedback and allowing employees to take risks could help in idea generation.

Keywords

• occupational stress
• individual innovative behavior
• creativity