More Tasks, More Ideas: The Positive Spillover Effects of Multitasking on Subsequent Creativity

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Kapadia, Chaitali; Melwani, Shimul
• 署名单位: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; University of North Carolina School of Medicine; State University System of Florida; Florida International University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-9010
• DOI: 10.1037/apl0000506
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: 542-559
• 关键词: CREATIVITY; multitasking; energy spillover; cognitive flexibility; activation

摘要

We propose that multitasking behavior influences creativity on subsequent tasks and that it does so through a serially mediated process in which multitasking increases activation, which increases cognitive flexibility, resulting in a positive effect on downstream creativity. We build support for our hypotheses through 4 studies designed to establish both internal and external validity: an archival study using coded data from the TV show, Chopped, and a laboratory experiment test the direct link between multitasking and subsequent creativity; while a quasi-experimental field study with restaurant servers and a second laboratory experiment examine the full serial mediation model. Results from the archival study and the first lab experiment support the proposed theory of a positive relationship between multitasking and subsequent creativity. Results from the quasi-experimental field study and second lab experiment suggest that multitasking increases creativity through activation and cognitive flexibility acting in tandem. Together, this work yields important theoretical and practical implications about managing creativity in a fast-paced contemporary workplace.