Title: Demographic fault lines and social exchange theory: mapping the landscape of faculty engagement and creativity

Authors: Yuvika Singh; Shivinder Phoolka

Addresses: Faculty of Management Studies, The ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh, India ' Punjabi University Centre for Emerging and Innovative Technology, Phase 7, Mohali, Punjab, India

Abstract: The current study explores the complex relationship between demographic factors, creativity, and work engagement in higher education sector, through the lens of social exchange theory (SET). Using stratified random sampling, data from 389 public university faculties in Punjab, India, were analysed. The study examines how demographic factors like age, gender, marital status, level of education, level of income, designation, employment type, and work experience impact faculty engagement and creativity. The DEMO-ENGAGE-CREATIVE-SET model (DECS model) charts the demographic factors against the faculty engagement and creativity outcomes, highlighting the disparities in the engagement among married, older, high-income, and experienced faculty members while showcasing higher creativity among the male, highly educated, and senior faculty. These diverse findings highlight the complex nature of intellectual capital development in higher education through DECS model informed by SET. The study enhances the understanding of diversity, engagement, and creativity in academia, aiding university administrators, policymakers, and scholars.

Keywords: demographic diversity; faculty engagement; creativity; social exchange theory; SET; higher education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2026.153665

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2026 Vol.17 No.1/2/3, pp.154 - 179

Received: 21 Oct 2024
Accepted: 03 Mar 2025
Published online: 21 May 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article