Role of homesickness among expatriates in creativity at work: mediating role of online leisure crafting moderated by technology self-efficacy

Abstract This study explores the role of homesickness in shaping the creativity of expatriates by focusing on the mediating effect of online leisure crafting (OLC) and the moderating role of technology self-efficacy (TSE). Based on conservation of resources theory, we hypothesize that homesickness enhances creativity through performing OLC. We further propose that expatriates with high TSE are more likely to use OLC to mitigate homesickness and increase work creativity. Data were collected in three waves from 485 Taiwanese expatriates via self-reported measures of homesickness and TSE (Time 1), OLC (Time 2), and manager-rated creativity (Time 3). We find that homesickness positively impacts OLC and subsequent creativity at work. In other words, expatriates who actively engage in OLC can turn homesickness into a source of creative energy in the work domain, with TSE amplifying this positive indirect effect. This study contributes to the literature on expatriate adjustment by offering a nuanced view of homesickness as a potential resource for creativity and highlighting the critical role of digital engagement in cross-domain resource recovery.