A multilevel model of success goal orientation, risk aversion orientation, and creativity: the moderating effects of psychological resilience and trade union participation atmosphere

Based on social cognitive theory, this study constructs and validates a cross-level theoretical model through three waves of longitudinal surveys, revealing the mechanism by which union participation climate influences employee creativity through psychological resilience. Analysis of a sample of 383 employees from 77 teams shows that union support climate plays a key moderating role in the relationship between success goal orientation and creativity. When employees perceive higher union support, the indirect effect of success goal orientation on creativity, mediated by psychological resilience, is significantly enhanced (E = 0.09, SE = 0.05, p < 0.05). In contrast, in low-support climates, this indirect effect is markedly weakened (E = 0.02, SE = 0.01, p > 0.05). These findings have significant implications for organizational management practices: establishing supportive mechanisms for union participation can enhance employees’ psychological safety, thereby promoting innovative behaviours. At the same time, excessive control should be avoided to prevent stimulating employees’ risk-averse tendencies.