The innovation paradox of global work: Does cultural tightness shape or constrain innovative behaviour?

Abstract

Drawing on role identity, dynamic constructivism and the norm-based model of cultural tightness, we examine the innovation paradox of whether and how congruence of home and host culture in tandem with creative role identity not only enhances but also constrains different facets of innovative behaviour for global workers. Results reveal that the effects of loose home employees' cultural tightness congruence on idea generation and idea realization behaviours depend on creative role identity (Study 1), that idea generation may be more salient in loose cultures (Study 2) and that when exposed to an incongruent tight culture, individuals temporarily switch their innovative identity content to fit the alternative cultural frame (Study 3). Our results paint a complex and dynamic picture of cultural exposure and role identity on innovative behaviour. Our results also suggest that cultural considerations and organizational interventions that shape the content of creative role identity may enhance innovative behaviours for global workers.