Yu, M.; Zhao, J.; Lin, H. and Yuan, M. (2026) Keep company with the wolf, learn to howl: The impact of self-focused collective moral judgment on the misconduct of creative members in construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(7): 04026085, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Numerous studies have delved into the boundary conditions surrounding the relationship between creativity and deviant behaviors from an individual's moral standpoint. However, a dearth of research exists in scrutinizing the team-level moral context wherein creativity might potentially exhibit its dark side consequences. Grounded in social information processing theory (SIPT), this study investigates the mechanism by which self-focused collective moral judgment (SFCMJ) functions as a boundary condition influencing creative employees to engage in deviant behaviors. We used two studies where the samples were collected from architectural design and consulting industries. The findings suggest that creativity is positively correlated with deviant behavior only when SFCMJ is high. Moreover, this study unveils that Machiavellianism acts as a mediator in the moderating effect of SFCMJ on the connection between creativity and deviant behavior. Theoretical and practical implications stemming from these research findings, along with potential avenues for future investigations, are also discussed.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | creativity; deviant behavior; machiavellianism; self-focused collective moral judgment |
| Index terms: | architectural design, construction project, information processing, investigation, consulting industry, mediator, boundary condition, creativity, judgment |
| Subjects: | data science, data collection methods, dispute resolution, industry analysis, design practice, innovation and creative processes, structural engineering, production management |
| Topics: | Legal Issues, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here