ADHD-related neurodiversity and innovation in marketing teams: a grounded theory framework of customer-oriented boundary-spanning.

INTRODUCTION

This study explores how ADHD-related neurodiversity is experienced within marketing teams, particularly in customer-oriented and boundary-spanning work.

METHOD: Using a grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 marketing managers, frontline employees, and freelancers/consultants, including 19 participants with a formal ADHD diagnosis and 16 participants with direct professional experience working with colleagues with ADHD.

RESULTS

The analysis generated three theoretical codes: Neurodiverse Cognitive Synergy, Mediated Empathy in Boundary-Spanning, and Resilient Organizational Adaptation. The findings indicate that ADHD-related characteristics, including divergent thinking, creativity, intense focus, and adaptability, may be experienced as resources. At the same time, impulsivity, distraction, stress, communication difficulties, and social isolation may create challenges. These outcomes appear to depend on task demands, role fit, interpersonal relationships, and organizational support.

CONTRIBUTION: The study develops an exploratory, data-grounded framework that explains how organizational and relational conditions may shape how ADHD-related characteristics are engaged in customer-oriented marketing work, without assuming a direct or causal relationship between ADHD and innovation.