Connecting individual-level creativity to strategic management processes

Purpose This study examines how structured procedures and psychological safety can enhance six sigma processes’ effectiveness and foster individual creativity within an organization. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a novel methodological approach, combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-value qualitative comparative analysis (mvQCA).This combination gave us a unique lens through which to view the complex connections between the constructs that were the subject of the investigation. Findings The results substantiate that a well-structured six sigma approach, paired with a psychologically safe environment, fosters knowledge exploration and exploitation as well as triggering conducive learning behaviors. These elements, in turn, augment individual creativity, which is found to be instrumental in boosting six sigma performance. Originality/value This study is one of the first to combine mvQCA and SEM to investigate the complex interplay between structured methods, psychological safety and individual creativity in enhancing six sigma performance. This research highlights the importance of fostering creativity in strategic management processes and the unrealized potential of combining these methods.