Curiosity Unlocked the Cat: The Relationship between Curiosity at Work and Worker Creativity

ABSTRACT Worker creativity can be considered a determining factor in the process of idea generation and innovation within a company. This behavior is determined by both worker characteristics and perceived stimuli. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed how the worker’s creativity is influenced by his or her curiosity and ability to associate ideas. We also analyzed how the relationship between curiosity and creativity is influenced by risk propensity and the organizational support perceived by the worker. The results achieved indicate that curiosity at work has a direct and indirect effect on worker creativity. The indirect effect observed depends on the association of ideas, which tend to increase the creativity of the worker. It was also found that risk propensity and perceived organizational support for creativity did not influence the indirect relationship between curiosity and creativity. These results highlight the importance of instigating worker curiosity to induce more creative and innovative behavior.