Collectivistic values and an independent mindset jointly promote group creativity: Further evidence for a synergy model.

Abstract

In an experiment involving 3-person laboratory groups (N = 56), we examined the combined effect of group members’ value orientation and their general mindset on group creativity. We induced a collectivistic (vs. individualistic) value orientation via a group-based (vs. individual-based) incentives. We also induced an independent (vs. interdependent) mindset by activating a focus on uniqueness and differentiation (vs. similarity and assimilation). Consistent with a synergy model of individualism-collectivism (Choi, Cho, Seo, & Bechtoldt, 2018), we found that groups generated more original ideas when members combined a collectivistic value orientation with an independent mindset than with an interdependent mindset. By contrast, no significant effects emerged when an individualistic value orientation was induced. We also found that this effect was mediated by the thinking process conducive to creativity (i.e., low fixation), thereby illuminating the underlying cognitive mechanism of the synergy effect. Implications of these findings for research on culture and group creativity are discussed.

Crossing back over the Rubicon: Collectivistic value orientation and independent self-concept jointly promote effective goal revision in task groups

“…Thus, the current study offers the first empirical evidence for the notion that team reflexivity promotes goal revision in task groups. Further, our mediation analysis suggests that, in addition to previously observed effects such as open communication (Choi et al, 2018) and reduced idea conformity (Choi et al, 2019; Choi & Yoon, 2018), the combination of independence in self-concept and collectivistic values facilitates group members’ spontaneous reflection on the group goal in the face of a goal crisis.…”

“…In a series of laboratory investigations that induced the two variables orthogonally, it was documented that a collectivistic value orientation and an independent self-concept jointly promote creativity on various group tasks. Further, the joint positive effect of the two variables on group creativity was mediated by open communication during group interaction and reduced idea conformity (see Bechtoldt, Choi, & Nijstad, 2012; Choi et al, 2018; Choi, Seo, Hyun, & Bechtoldt, 2019; Choi & Yoon, 2018).…”

“…This has sometimes caused confusion in the literature (see Cross et al, 2011) and misspecification of the effects associated with the two variables (see Wagner, 2002). However, a growing body of research shows that, on the individual level, the two constructs are conceptually distinct (see Brewer & Chen, 2007; Kağitçibaşi, 2005; Wagner, 2002), and that in a group context, the perception of self as an independent (vs. interdependent) entity can be paired with a belief in the priority of either the group’s or one’s own personal goals (Bechtoldt et al, 2012; Choi et al, 2018; Choi & Euh, 2018; Choi et al, 2019; Choi & Yoon, 2018). In this regard, our data lend further support for the synergy model that stipulates a joint positive effect that results from a combination of independence in self-concept and collectivistic values in collaborative work settings.…”

Host country national support to expatriates: a motivated information processing perspective

“…Barry and Friedman, 1998; Bechtoldt et al , 2010) and cultural collectivism (e.g. Choi and Yoon, 2018; Wong and Hong, 2005). Indeed, HCNs are more willing to help expatriates when they have high agreeableness (e.g.…”

“…Also, group-based reward systems (e.g. Bechtoldt et al , 2010; Choi and Yoon, 2018) and anticipated future interaction (e.g. Ben-Yoav and Pruitt, 1984) momentarily increase pro-social orientation in groups.…”