Doing more in less time: How multitasking increases creativity

In this paper, I examine the positive outcome of multitasking on subsequent creative tasks. I propose that multitasking behavior induces a higher level of arousal, which in turn, positively influences subsequent creative performance. I empirically examine this model in two studies: a laboratory experiment and an ongoing field study with restaurant servers. Results from the first laboratory experiment provide support for a positive relationship between multitasking and creative performance on two of three creativity measures, but no relationship between multitasking and analytical performance. Preliminary results from the field study suggest that multitasking improves creative performance indirectly through arousal. I also explore polychronicity (one’s dispositional preference for multitasking) as a moderator of this relationship. Finally, I discuss these results and the theoretical and practical implications of this research in the context of current academic research.