The Effect of Clarity of Expectations, Continuous Feedback, and Distributive Justice on Creativity with Psychological Well-Being as a Mediating Variable on IT Freelancers

Authors

  • Ibnu Rullyardi Indonesia Banking School
  • Subarjo Joyosumarto Indonesia Banking School
  • Whony Rofianto Indonesia Banking School
  • Fermico Karambut Indonesia Banking School
  • Enny Haryanti Indonesia Banking School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59141/jrssem.v6i2.1741

Keywords:

clarity of expectations, continuous feedback, distributive justice, well-being

Abstract

The acceleration of digitalization has expanded the gig economy in Indonesia, where IT freelancers work amid structural uncertainties, such as scope creep, technical ambiguity, and underpricing, which may affect their cognitive capacity and creativity. This study aimed to analyze the effects of clarity of expectations, continuous feedback, and distributive justice on IT freelancers’ creativity and to examine psychological well-being as a mediating mechanism. Using a cross-sectional explanatory quantitative design based on Social Exchange Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources model, primary data from 145 active IT freelancers were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0 software and 5,000 bootstrap subsamples. Clarity of expectations, continuous feedback, and distributive justice significantly improved psychological well-being, while continuous feedback and psychological well-being were the strongest direct predictors of creativity. Psychological well-being significantly mediated the relationships between all three exogenous variables and creativity, functioning as an internal mechanism that converts supportive project management practices into creative performance. Maintaining freelancers’ psychological well-being is essential for fostering technological innovation and provides practical implications for clients, freelancers, and gig economy platforms.

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Published

2026-09-29

How to Cite

Rullyardi, I., Joyosumarto, S., Rofianto, W., Karambut, F., & Haryanti, E. (2026). The Effect of Clarity of Expectations, Continuous Feedback, and Distributive Justice on Creativity with Psychological Well-Being as a Mediating Variable on IT Freelancers. Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management, 6(2), 1461–1470. https://doi.org/10.59141/jrssem.v6i2.1741

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): Journal Research of Social Science, Economics, and Management

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ibnu Rullyardi, Subarjo Joyosumarto, Whony Rofianto, Fermico Karambut, Enny Haryanti

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