An expanded psychological capital (A-HERO) construct for creativity: building a competitive advantage for sport organisations

Research question: In an attempt to advance the development of creativity among sport employees, this study was designed to empirically evaluate the relationships among individual sport employee psychological resources. These resources included pride, harmonious passion, sport employee identification, and an expanded psychological capital construct. Moreover, the application of psychological capital offers a modern approach to producing novel problem-solving abilities. Research methods: Within the study, structural equation modelling was utilised to build a model of sport employee creativity, whereby an expanded psychological capital archetype of sport employees, labelled A-HERO (i.e. authenticity, hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism), was employed as a central feature of the model. The sample consisted of full-time American sport employees (N = 301). Results and findings: The higher-order construct of A-HERO was empirically validated. Pride and passion influenced sport employee identification. Also, tenure moderated the relationship between pride and sport employee identification. Importantly, A-HERO was found to facilitate sport employee creativity. Implications: The findings provide empirical evidence that demonstrates how certain psychological features of sport employees can increase their creativity, which is the initial stage of organisational innovation. Consequently, sport organisations can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage through their employees’ A-HERO and creativity. The results of this study provide an improved understanding of positive organisational behaviour and creativity in the sport workplace.