Effect of creativity on unethical behavior

Although previous studies have illustrated the dark side of creativity, intermediary mechanisms have not been sufficiently explored. We used moral licensing theory to expand a new interpretation mechanism of the relationship between creativity and unethical behavior. We tested our hypotheses with an experimental study and a multiwave survey in China. Study 1 (N = 143 postgraduates) showed that creativity increased moral credential. The results of Study 2 (N = 180) replicated Study 1’s findings and further showed that the effect of creativity on unethical behavior was mediated by moral credential. Study 2 further expanded the boundary condition of the dark side of creativity from the perspective of perceived prevalence of creativity. Theoretical implications for creativity and behavioral ethics research are discussed, as well as directions for future research.