Performance pressure and innovative work behaviour: The role of problem-orientated daydreams

The study advances stress and daydreaming (mind wandering) literature by exploring the relationship between performance pressure and innovative work behaviour. We examine whether problem-orientated daydreams mediate the relationship between performance pressure and innovative work behaviour. We also investigate the mediating role of problem-orientated daydreams between performance pressure and task performance. A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst academicians in India. A theoretical model was tested using structural equation modelling techniques. The results indicate that problem-orientated daydreams mediate the relationship between performance pressure and innovative work behaviour. Further, results also support the hypothesised relationship between performance pressure and task performance mediated by problem-orientated daydreams. Our results hold while controlling for gender and institutional tenure for our hypothesised model.