Abstract Based on categorization-elaboration model (CEM), this study built up a theoretical model to explore how differentiated empowering leadership influences team creativity. Using a multiple-source and time-lagged research design, this study tested the proposed hypotheses through the questionnaire survey data of 93 teams including 538 members, and explored the double-edged sword effect of differentiated empowering leadership on team creativity. The results are as follows. First, team political skill could significantly moderate the relationship between differentiated empowering leadership and team creativity. Specifically, under high-level team political skill, differentiated empowering leadership can promote team creativity. However, under low-level team political skill, differentiated empowering leadership can hinder team creativity. Second, team communication openness can directly enhance team creativity. Third, team communication openness mediated the moderating relationship between differentiated empowering leadership, team political skill, and team creativity. To be more specific, under high-level team political skill, differentiated empowering leadership can promote team creativity via team communication openness. However, under low-level team political skill, differentiated empowering leadership can hinder team creativity through team communication openness.
CHEN Chao. The Double-Edged Sword Effect of Differentiated Empowering Leadership on Team Creativity[J]. Chinese Journal of Management, 2022, 19(7): 1016-.
