Linking Employee Performance Expectations and Employee Work Creativity: Examining the Role of Workplace Fun, and Mental Well-Being

Abstract

Current study aims to examine the intricate relationships among performance expectations (PE), mental well-being, workplace fun and employees’ work creativity (EWC) within the domain of Pakistan’s higher education institutions. Using a quantitative research methodology, data was gathered from 38- employees with the help of structured questionnaires administered in 2024. By using SPSS 26.0, we utilized Preacher & Hayes process to analyze the data for the hypothesized relationships among the variables. Result findings indicate that PE has a positive significant relationship with EWC. Moreover, mental well-being mediated the relationship between PE and EWC. Workplace fun also moderated the relationship of PE and EWC when mental well-being mediated these relationships. In addition to the theoretical implications, the current study offers practical implications, particularly for the managers/practitioners who are concerned with the employees’ mental well-being and for EWC. This research investigates the relationships between expectation of performance, satisfaction, and enjoyment of the workplace using COR principles. The goal of this study is to provide companies that have efforts aimed at stimulation of creativity with useful information by analyzing the way personal needs and resources and satisfaction interact. After all, it is very important to be able to create and maintain an environment that is supportive and rich with resources that allows employees to cope with difficulties and translate stress into something positive in terms of creativity. Doing so not only helps the individual with his or her well-being and productivity, but also helps the organization cope with a challenging and ever-changing business environment.