Creative deviance and respect for authority: A case study of selected auditing and accounting firms in Ghana.
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Date
2016-09
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KNUST
Abstract
The concept of creative deviance has gained grounds in organizational setting, with some employees finding some creative ways to successfully accomplish a task, which may be contrary to organizational norms. However, little attention is paid to this in Ghana. This study therefore sought to examine the effects of creative deviance on respect for authority. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. The study was also descriptive and explanatory as it sought to describe and explore the relationships between the key variables of the study. The population of the study comprised staff and management of sixteen auditing and accounting firms in the Accra metropolis. Using purposive and convenience sampling techniques, 298 staff and 33 management members were selected for the study. Data analysis was conducted using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, factor analysis and multiple linear regression model. The study revealed that intrinsic motivation and psychological empowerment are antecedents of creative deviance. Results from the study also indicate that creative deviance has a positive effect on respect for authority. The study further revealed that on the positive side, creative deviance enables new solutions to problems and helps refine new ideas. However, this study found that success of creative deviance may bring about jealousy among employees, enmity between supervisors and subordinates, and may lead to employee dismissal at work. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that supervisors and managers should encourage behaviours that promote creative deviance such as exhibiting more initiative and assertiveness, encouraging feelings of self-worth, pursuing challenging goals, changing the status quo so as to improve on creative deviance. This is because creative deviance has the potential of contributing to organisational effectiveness if managed properly.
Description
A Thesis Submitted To The Department Of Human Resource And Organisational Development (HROD, In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirement For A Degree Of MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (Management And Organisational Development).