Creativity in research and development laboratories: a new scale for leader behaviors

Abstract

In this paper, we report an inventory of leader behaviours that can promote creativity among R&D professionals. Specifically, we constructed and quantitatively validated a scale that was previously developed using a qualitative approach. We surveyed 584 scientists from 11 R&D laboratories in India. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the rating responses disclosed five leader behaviour factors: task-orientation; recognising and inspiring; empowering; team building and developing; and leading by example. Given acceptable evidence for convergent and discriminant validities of the factors, we argue for the use of this scale in future research in and management of creativity in R&D laboratories.