Competitive mindsets, creativity, and the role of regulatory focus

Jenny V. Bittner; Heike Heidemeier

doi:10.1016/j.tsc.2013.03.003

Competitive mindsets, creativity, and the role of regulatory focus

Jenny V. Bittner^*, Heike Heidemeier

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed) › Journal article

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We examined how regulatory focus and intentions to compete rather than cooperate with group members relate to creativity. Study 1 showed that a promotion focus (i.e., a focus on ideals) activated a cooperative mindset, whereas a prevention focus (i.e., a focus on responsibilities) activated a competitive mindset. Whereas mindsets had no direct effect on creativity, a prevention focus was found to diminish subsequent creativity. Study 2 showed that a cooperative mindset activated a promotion focus, whereas a competitive mindset activated a prevention focus. Prevention focus carried the indirect negative effect of competitive mindsets on creativity. In addition, we tested whether global versus local information processing may explain these effects.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	59-68
Number of pages	10
Journal	Thinking Skills and Creativity
Volume	9
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2013.03.003
Publication status	Published - Aug 2013
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Cooperation/competition
Creativity
Groups
Regulatory focus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Education

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10.1016/j.tsc.2013.03.003

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abstract = "We examined how regulatory focus and intentions to compete rather than cooperate with group members relate to creativity. Study 1 showed that a promotion focus (i.e., a focus on ideals) activated a cooperative mindset, whereas a prevention focus (i.e., a focus on responsibilities) activated a competitive mindset. Whereas mindsets had no direct effect on creativity, a prevention focus was found to diminish subsequent creativity. Study 2 showed that a cooperative mindset activated a promotion focus, whereas a competitive mindset activated a prevention focus. Prevention focus carried the indirect negative effect of competitive mindsets on creativity. In addition, we tested whether global versus local information processing may explain these effects.",

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AU - Heidemeier, Heike

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AB - We examined how regulatory focus and intentions to compete rather than cooperate with group members relate to creativity. Study 1 showed that a promotion focus (i.e., a focus on ideals) activated a cooperative mindset, whereas a prevention focus (i.e., a focus on responsibilities) activated a competitive mindset. Whereas mindsets had no direct effect on creativity, a prevention focus was found to diminish subsequent creativity. Study 2 showed that a cooperative mindset activated a promotion focus, whereas a competitive mindset activated a prevention focus. Prevention focus carried the indirect negative effect of competitive mindsets on creativity. In addition, we tested whether global versus local information processing may explain these effects.

KW - Cooperation/competition

KW - Creativity

KW - Groups

KW - Regulatory focus

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DO - 10.1016/j.tsc.2013.03.003

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SN - 1871-1871

VL - 9

SP - 59

EP - 68

JO - Thinking Skills and Creativity

JF - Thinking Skills and Creativity

ER -

Competitive mindsets, creativity, and the role of regulatory focus

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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