Impact of subordinates’ creativity on supervisor undermining: A social dominance perspective

We used the theory of social dominance to explore the mediating influence and boundary conditions according to which subordinates’ creativity affects supervisor undermining. Through a two-stage survey of 223 employees and their paired supervisors, we verified the mediating effect of supervisors’ perceived status threat on the relationship between subordinates’ creativity and supervisor undermining. Supervisors’ status concern moderated the relationship between subordinates’ creativity and supervisors’ perceived status threat. Specifically, the positive relationship between subordinates’ creativity and supervisors’ perceived status threat was stronger when the level of supervisors’ status concern was high. We aimed to deepen understanding of the factors that influence supervisor undermining. Additionally, we introduced perceived status threat as a mediating variable, which enhances understanding of the mechanism behind the unjust treatment of star employees. This highlights the importance of companies continuing to improve the management and professional skills of their supervisors, and fostering an organizational culture that is equal and free, in order to cultivate and retain highly creative talents.