| From the perspective of componential theory, optimum creativity results from a combination of personal characteristics and environmental factors. Although creativity is important for technological and societal advancement, previous research has indicated that creative individuals have personal characteristics (e.g., rebelliousness) that may make them prone to engage in organizational misbehavior. However, knowledge of the manner in which organizational autonomy and organizational justice may moderate relationships between creativity, openness, a Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality dimension, and organizational misbehavior is lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between creativity, openness, autonomy, organizational justice, admitted organizational misbehavior, and possible organizational misbehavior. This study utilized a nonexperimental design with a sample of 155 adults employed in different occupations. Sampling was accomplished by contacting employees of two organizations and by using the snowball method. Participants completed an online questionnaire that consisted of the NEO-FFI, a measure of the FFM, and assessments for the remaining variables. Statistical procedures included Pearson product-moment correlations and moderated multiple regressions. Positive relationships were found between openness and creativity and organizational justice and autonomy, while those found between organizational justice and creativity, organizational misbehavior and autonomy were negative. Results also indicated that autonomy and organizational justice moderated relationships between creativity and organizational misbehavior. These research findings help clarify why employees engage in different types of misbehavior and contribute to the existing literature which may enhance social change initiatives through the reduction of employee discontent that can lead to misbehavior---a costly and pervasive problem in organizations. |
