Rewarding Creative Problem Solving and Expectations for Creative Motives, Competence and Satisfaction of Workers During Critical Incidents

Abstract

There is growing interest in creativity and innovation at work, and the role of reward types in creative problem solving dispositions of workers in organizations. However, extending creative performance to problem resolution during critical incidents remains a virgin ground pending exploration. This study examined employees' perceptions of creativity rewards and effects on creative motive, competence and feelings of satisfaction. Participants were 50 and a reliable instrument was used to determine the opinions of respondents. Descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation and regression were applied for data analysis. According to results, nonmaterial reward significantly predicted intrinsic creative motive of workers while material reward significantly determined extrinsic creative motive. Analysis also reported that nonmaterial reward significantly predicted creative competence of employees. While non-material and material rewards significantly predicted satisfaction of employees, material reward by contrast failed to predict satisfaction. It is evident that intangible and tangible incentives determined creativity dimensions though at varying directions and degrees. Findings also supported theories used in explaining rewards and creative behaviors. Discussion is centered on creative and innovative culture, and how the use of reward types can improve creative responses at critical incidents. Furthermore, expansion of investigations on incentive types and creative behaviors has been suggested.