The effect of the hybrid electronic-work experience on creativity in South Africa: The moderating role of inclusive leadership

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift from traditional, physical workplaces to hybrid work environments. This has increased the current need for creativity and disrupted the way organisations operate, forcing them to reevaluate and adapt their traditional operations. As leaders navigate this shift, they face designing hybrid work methods that lack established precedents, leading to significant difficulties, particularly in applying behaviours that yield optimal outcomes needed for the twenty-first century, such as creativity. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between the hybrid work experience and creativity, and to examine the moderating role of inclusive leadership in the relationship. Being cross-sectional, this research followed a mono-method quantitative, deductive, descriptive approach and was conducted using questionnaires found in existing literature. The data for this research was collected from 268 respondents, over a period of four weeks, using a non-probability, purposive sampling method. Through a hierarchical regression analysis, the results show that flexibility and productivity are important to foster creativity in a hybrid work environment. When inclusive leadership behaviours are exerted, no significant moderating effects were found. Lastly, the research provides future recommendations for theory and practice to navigate the new dynamic work landscape.