Chapter 11 Creativity as mood regulation

Abstract

In this chapter, we seek to resolve the long-running controversy as to whether moods foster or inhibit creativity. We base our arguments on a new theory, which we refer to as “creativity-as-mood-regulation,” where employees experiencing moods are envisaged to engage in creative behavior in the hope of regulating their moods. We further suggest that employees with different goal orientations will have different likelihoods of choosing creative activities to regulate their moods. Finally, we identify the specific goal-orientation conditions under which positive and negative moods may facilitate or depress creativity, and develop and discuss six related propositions.

Citation

To, M.L., Ashkanasy, N.M., Fisher, C.D. and Rowe, P.A. (2010), "Chapter 11 Creativity as mood regulation", Zerbe, W.J., Charmine E. J., H. and Neal M., A. (Ed.) Emotions and Organizational Dynamism (Research on Emotion in Organizations, Vol. 6), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 279-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1746-9791(2010)0000006015