Business Innovation ? Group Creativity

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Group Creativity

Effective group creativity results from managing a number of different elements, some of which are:

a) Group structure. Large and small groups, individual and pair combinations produce variations of creative output.

b) Motivation. Impacts the idea pool.

c) Task structure. Sets start and end points, establishes boundaries. Impacts creative output.

d) Tacit knowledge. Making tacit knowledge explicit and therefore tangible, useable and measurable.

e) Creative and critical thinking. Producing and then editing.

f) Idea valuation. Effective idea selection allows resources to be concentrated on development and commercialisation.

g) Network management. Tapping into knowledge, overcoming competency traps, bridging.

h) Culture. Creating a fostering environment.

i) Depth versus breadth. Which is more productive, to master the literature of the field or to frame break into other fields?

j) Process. Qualitative research shows that people who regularly generate lots of ideas follow a similar process, whether they know it or not.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop MBA, is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


How to Boost Morale In Your Organisation

Who keeps the wheels turning in your organisation? Who holds... Read More

Company Picnic Ideas and Planning Tips

The company picnic is a beloved tradition at many firms.It's... Read More

Franchisor Award Programs; Ideas and Innovation

Franchisors should also be heavy on the award side of... Read More

Team Communication Critical To Success

I'm often asked, "Why is my team always fighting fires... Read More

Characteristics of High Performance Teams

Abstract: Based on significant research, Entelechy has defined characteristics of... Read More

The 3 Secrets of Team Motivation

Are workers telling the truth when they say they are... Read More

Aligning Teams with Organizational Goals

Teams don't have to be aligned with the goals of... Read More

7 Key Dimensions of High Performance Teams

7 Key Dimensions of High Performance Teams We can always... Read More

The Top 7 Things Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Employees

As I work with clients to strengthen their teams and... Read More

Building The Winning Team

Winning teams aren't created by accident. Rather, the team or... Read More

Dealing with Difficult People: Ten Ways to Improve Your Communications Success

Have you noticed that some people seem to stop listening... Read More

Why Is Teamwork Training Important?

"When teamwork kicks in, nobody can beat you." Don Shula,... Read More

Manage Expectations to Reduce Everyday Frustrations

Just today my partner Russ and I sat down to... Read More

Secrets of Successful Teams

To be a success is not always to be a... Read More

How To Encourage Ideas From Your Team At Meetings

You're at a meeting with key staff. You want some... Read More

Yes, But What Are You Really Saying?

More and more I hear people misunderstanding what someone else... Read More

Nine Ways to Contribute to Project Team Success

The world of work has changed. It used to be... Read More

Whats the Secret Ingredient That Turns Groups into Teams?

What's the Secret Ingredient That Turns Groups into Teams? Working... Read More

Feedback - Confirming the Good News

The feedback I'm talking about here isn't some sort of... Read More

Leadership, Genuine, Meaningful and Productive

One of the best lessons I have learned is the... Read More

What Every Manager, Parent, and Teacher Should Know About How to Unify Employees, Families, & Youth

Project Head Start has been successful not only for the... Read More

Motivate People with Feedback

Someone once said - "Feedback is the breakfast of champions."... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Motivate Your Team

1. Involve them. Many employees want to be involved in... Read More

Creating Unity In Your Company

The other day I got a call from a friend... Read More

Team Success with ?Innies?: Why You Want Them on Your Team and How to Help Them Excel

Everyone knows, works or lives with "innies." Who are they... Read More

Listening Between the Lines

Have you seen the tee-shirt with the slogan, "Talk to... Read More

Winning Teams on the Football Field and in the Office

Teams, teams, teams. They're all the rage these days. Whether... Read More

Discovering the Truth on MLM

Truth on mlmDid you know that the truth on mlm... Read More

Effective Team Building For Organizational Success

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common... Read More

Team and Organizational Survival Strategies for Turbulent Economic Times

Survival: The Name of the New Economic Game People rarely... Read More

Outdoor Team Development ? Harmless Fun or Serious Learning?

The Sales Director had organised a great conference; the venue... Read More

Getting Team Discussions Moving in The Right Direction

Group discussions are where much of the creative work of... Read More

Feedback - How to Make it Effective

Let's look at the detail of giving feedback. Whether you... Read More