Individual values, Organizational Context, and self-perceptions of employee creativity: Evidence from Egyptian organizations

Responses from Egyptian employees to a questionnaire incorporating the Schwartz Value Survey, reveal that individuals for whom Self-direction is a relatively important value type perceive themselves to be more creative in the workplace than individuals with Conformity or Power as preferred value types. Results regarding Organizational Context support earlier studies that emphasize the salience of supportive supervision and a caring, consultative work environment in fostering creativity. However, theories implying that employee creativity is hindered by a controlling, hierarchical environment are not corroborated. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.