Organizational Creativity, Why It Matters to Future-Proof Your Organization and How to Systemize It
Author(s): Geert Van Kuijk and Pernilla Johansson
Abstract: Our aim in this article is to provide a point of reflection on the role of creativity as a precondition for all future-shaping activities in organizations. Not only across disciplines and hierarchies but also across industries, public sector, and civil society organisations. In the article we challenge the existing paradigms of organizational design by introducing creativity as a systemic and fully integrated component of the organization’s day-to-day operations and interactions. A system-thinking model of organisational creativity is presented which incorporates four essential components to boost the organisation’s ability to apply creativity effectively and systemically. These components are:1) Creative Climate: We present a framework of what organizations can do to nurture a conducive climate and lower the barriers that get in the way of optimising people’s creativity. Not only in the physical work environment but in particular on a social and psychological level. 2) Creative Operations: Here we’ll discuss what is needed to effectively set up and operationalize creativity. We present ways to ensure effective collaboration across multi-functional teams and how to prioritise and channel opportunities to turn them into future realities. 3) Creative Capabilities: Next, we share insights how people in the organization can be trained to think more expansive, flexible, and connective to create a workforce of future explorers. Creative Leadership: Finally, we will explore the creative leadership characteristics that enable leaders to inspire people to adopt a creative mindset and embrace strategies toward new futures.
Practical Implications: The Organizational Creative Capacity Model works as an eye-opener and as an inspiration for the development of Creative Climate, Creative Operations, Creative Capabilities.
Keywords: Creative Climate; Creative Leadership; Creative Capabilities; Creative Operations; Organizational creativity
Cite as – Kuijk, G.V. & Johansson, P. (2023). Organizational Creativity, Why It Matters to Future-Proof Your Organization and How to Systemize It. International Journal of Design and Allied Sciences, 2 (2), 42-59.