Leader–member exchange mediates the relationship between workplace fun and employee creativity

• Yuan Fang

  Sichuan University

• Bin Meng

  Hengshui University

• Yitong Liu

  University of International Business and Economics

• Jinhua Liu

  Panyapiwat Institute of Management

Although previous researchers have explored positive outcomes of workplace fun, the workplace fun–employee creativity relationship has received little attention. We investigated the link between workplace fun and employee creativity, and the mediating effect of leader–member exchange (LMX) on this relationship. Participants comprised 226 subordinates and 45 supervisors from Chinese state-owned companies. We employed structural equation modeling analysis to examine the hypotheses. Results show that workplace fun did not have a significant direct relationship with employee creativity. However, LMX fully mediated the workplace fun–employee creativity link. These results suggest that, to promote employee creativity, organizations should create a fun work environment in which employees can develop high-quality LMX.

1. Yuan Fang, Sichuan University

   Business School

2. Bin Meng, Hengshui University

   School of Economics and Management

3. Yitong Liu, University of International Business and Economics

   School of International Trade and Economics

4. Jinhua Liu, Panyapiwat Institute of Management
   Graduate School

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