Workplace loneliness, leader-member exchange and creativity: The cross-level moderating role of leader compassion

Since previous research on the relation between negative emotions and creativity obtained mixed results, a call has been made for an examination of creativity from the perspective of specific emotions. In response to the call, we studied workplace loneliness-a specific negative emotion that has received little theoretical or empirical attention. We propose a multi-level moderated mediation model in which workplace loneliness inhibits creativity via leader-member exchange and this indirect effect is moderated by leader compassion. Results from a study of 67 teams show that subordinates' workplace loneliness has a negative indirect effect on their creativity through leader-member exchange that is significant, only if, leader compassion is low. These results contribute to the literature on creativity by clarifying why and when workplace loneliness is related to creativity.