Title: Impact of leader's humour on employee creativity: a model incorporating affective commitment and task resource in mediating role of work environment

Authors: Mustafa Hasan; Wilayat Shah; Chen Junfei; Zahid Ullah Khan; Sima W.M. Abadi

Addresses: Management Science Department, Abasyn University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, 04403, Pakistan ' Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210000, China ' Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210000, China ' Management Science Department, Abasyn University Islamabad Campus, Islamabad, 04403, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan ' Business School, Hohai University Nanjing, 210000, China

Abstract: Background: In high-stress environments like Pakistan's commercial banking sector, fostering workplace creativity presents significant challenges. Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping an environment that encourages innovation. Purpose: This study explores the effect of leader's humour on employee creativity, focusing on the mediating roles of affective commitment and task resources, and the moderating role of the work environment within the commercial banking sector of Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: Utilising a quantitative approach, data from 355 employees across various banks in the Kharian/Jhelum region were analysed through factor analysis and structural equation modelling using SPSS-21 and AMOS-24. Findings: Results demonstrate that leader's humour significantly increases employee creativity, with affective commitment and task resources acting as mediators. The study also identifies the work environment's crucial moderating role, enhancing the positive effects of affective commitment and task resources on the humour-creativity relationship. Implications: For leaders in high-stress industries, adopting humour can be a strategic tool to boost creativity by fostering affective commitment and optimising task resources. This approach not only promotes a creative work culture but also enhances job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Keywords: leader's humour; task resources; affective commitment; employee creativity; work environment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCLM.2025.144692

International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, 2025 Vol.4 No.1, pp.12 - 35

Received: 12 Apr 2024
Accepted: 17 Jun 2024
Published online: 27 Feb 2025 *

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