The Interaction Between Domain-Relevant Knowledge and Control System Design on Creativity

I examine the effect of control system design, under conditions of high and low domain-relevant knowledge, on creativity. The results indicate that process-based control impedes creativity when domain-relevant knowledge is high, but may increase creativity when domain-relevant knowledge is low. Employees can be an important source of improvement opportunities within organisations. The results highlight that special care should be taken, however, to establish appropriate controls based on the level of domain-relevant knowledge that they possess.