Essay On Creativity And Innovation

The concepts of creativity and innovation in business basically focus on the idea of how the individuals associated with the business gets the motivation to think some new and introduce a new idea or a solution or a process or a product in the business. In this global business environment creativity and innovation are identified as one of the key drivers of growth in the industry (Brem, Puente-Diaz and Agogué, 2016). However before understanding the implication of creativity and innovation in business, it is important to note that the concepts of creativity and innovation go hand in hand. There exists no innovation without creativity. It is important to understand that creativity focuses on one’s ability to bring something new to the take that is any idea while innovation focuses on the implementation part. Innovation is associated with the aspect of how these ideas are actually turned into actions. Hence creativity can be identified as a driving force behind innovation and the process that allows individuals to look at things from different perspective (Reiter-Palmon, 2017). Here it is also important to understand the fact that to boost this aspect of creativity and innovation in business it is extremely important for the management to focus on the existing work culture, the existing leadership techniques and how the management prioritises on building the existing skill set of the employees. To foster the concepts of creativity and innovation it is important for the businesses to understand that this should not be limited to be identified as a business function rather the focus should be on identifying it as a part of the overall work culture.

 

Hence in this discussion specific focus would be given on analysing how these concepts of creativity and innovation that has been discussed in the course has helped in understand the whole process and how it has personally impacted on the student’s behaviour, thinking approach and his entrepreneurial journey.

 

In this course modules there are different topics associated with the concepts of innovation and creativity that has been discussed. However before discussing the same it is important to understand when the concepts of creativity and innovation actually came to existence. The concept of creativity came to existence in 18th century which is also identified as the Age of Enlightment. The term was coined by a Scottish Presbysterian minister William Durf, However in the early 20th century (Carayannis, 2020) the concept of creativity further evolved and was analysed into five different stage processes by Graham Walls which he published in his book the Arts of Thoughts, in 1926. These five stages through which the concept of creativity has further evolved are defined as: preparation, incubation, intimation, illumination, and verification 

 

 

In the age of industrialisation and increasing international expansion of the business, the business leaders and the management have understood the growing significance of creative ideas and how it can help the business expand. It is important to understand that even in the 20th century the concepts of innovation had not gained much popularity until the Second World War that is 1939-1945 (Tomory, 2016). It was at this point when the mass had started to talk about technological product innovation and how it is directly related to the concepts of economic growth and competitive advantage in the market.  Moreover with increasing sophistication of machineries and inception of new technologies specifically with the advent of internet in the global business industry in the late 90s made a huge change in the existing business process and methods (Pianta, 2018).  New technology and enabled industries to realise their actual potential as well as enabled the workforce to learn new techniques and methods of doing business. Since then the global business organisations and the economies have understood that in absence of creativity and innovation it is definitely not possible for the business to succeed.

 

Today in this digital age of business where the competition is extremely high business organisations are constantly focusing on bringing something new in the market, grabbing the latest trend and understanding the nerve of its customers, absence of creativity and innovation in the organisation can paralyze the business (Nübler, 2016). Therefore in this era of increasing business competition the management are giving more stress on increasing the creativity and innovation instincts of the staffs and for doing the same there has been significant changes made in the process of recruitment, training and overall organisation culture of these business entities. 

 

The course modules have dealt with varied theoretical concepts associated with the overall process and implementation of the creativity and innovation elements. These concepts have been drawn from the existing traditional literature along with practical business experiences of the contemporary business environment. However amongst several concepts that have been addressed through the course modules, the chosen module topics that I would personally discussion here are: Innovation as a process, innovation as a system and the different levels of innovation (Kahn, 2018)

 

The first concept that I would like to discuss is innovation as a process. In this module it has been clearly stated how innovation is a process where products or services are chosen to be shifted from its current state to a better state. It is a process associated with making improvements. The concept of innovation as a process is built on certain basic elements like solving problems, adapting to the change process, building on competition, responding to changing trends and market dynamics. The first and most important aspect of innovation as a process is to solving the existing challenges in the business. For instance the business might lack proper customer engagement or the necessary digital technology to expand market (Groves, 2013.). Hence the process of indentifying these existing challenges and shortcomings and solving the same is one of the core aspects of innovation as a process. The next aspect is helping the business organisation and its people adapt to the changing trends of the market. This is extremely important to keep the business updated and meeting the demands of the customers as well as retain market competitiveness (Dziallas and Blind, 2019). Along with this innovation as a process also focuses on the concepts of how increasing the existing levels of knowledge and skill set of the employees in order to build the competitive position of the business. It helps in incorporating new technology and learning system in the business. This helps the staffs upgrade themselves and better respond to the changing market needs and demands (Cimoli and Dosi, 2019). Therefore innovation as a process is completely dedicated towards bringing in holistic development in organisations that and in its people that focus on expanding their business globally.

 

The next topic that I would like to discuss is innovation as a system. The overall concept of innovation system identifies with the concept of flow of technology and information amongst people and enterprises as well as institutions. Innovation as a system focuses on four key elements which include: collaboration, ideation, implementation and value creation. Collaboration is one component of innovation system where it identifies the needs of employees or individuals in an organisation to come together in order to develop new ideas and ensure innovation (Radnejad and Vredenburg, 2019). This also gives way to the systems theory of creativity and innovation which basically deals with analysing how individual components in a organisation such an raw materials and human resource management activities all are put together to achieve the desired results. The concept of collaboration is extremely important in business because it enables individuals to come together and thin together which necessary speeds up the process of innovation in business. It helps in solving complex projects with the help of strategic thinking and open innovation approach. The next element that has been addressed in this module is ideation.  Here the focus in giving on openly discussing the varied ideas that are generated by individuals who are a part of this innovation system (Ali Taha, Sirkova and Ferencova, 2016). These ideas are brainstormed and discussed and analysed to understand the existing pros and cons to it. It is through this process that the creative capabilities of the existing employees and staffs are sharpened. The aspect in innovation as a system is implementation and in this stage the focus is primarily given on engaging the best people in the organisation to move forward with the chosen idea of innovation and implementing the same in the business (Paulus and Nijstad, 2019). In this implementation stage there might be certain challenges which the organisation and its people might face, however it is extremely important to keep a strategic outlook and move ahead in this whole process. The last element in this system is value creation. Innovation is initiated with the ultimate aim of deriving certain value which can solve a particular problem or bring in particular improvements. This is exactly why innovation as a system is mostly integrated in the business or the community at large. Delivering value to business stakeholders is one of the most important aspects that innovation as a system prioritises on.

 

The next topic which I would like to discuss as a part of the module is the levels of innovation. There basically exist three levels of innovation which has also been addressed in the course modules. These levels of innovation basically help in determining the basic reason behind why this innovation is been undertaken and the end results that it is expected to bring in for the business organisation (Cohendet, Parmentier  and Simon, 2017). Therefore based on the same the first level of innovation is incremental innovation. In this level of innovation the focus in on helping the company strengthen its existing business products and exploiting the possibilities in its existing business model. This can include replacing the old products with new products or incorporating a product extension strategy in the business. Then the next level of innovation basically deals with breakout innovation where as the name suggests the innovation process is undertaken to help the company break through the crowd and make a distinct position in the market. This might require the business to make certain amount of internal changes and change in its existing processes and strategies (Amabile and Pratt, 2016). The final level of innovation is identified as breakthrough innovation. It is identified as changing the game where the business aims to create a significant change in the market. Here organisations might choose to operate in a new business model in order to serve its target market in a better manner. For instance when Uber entered the market with its sharing economy model it definitely altered the overall scenario of the taxi business in the market.

 

These are the three topics that have been discussed in the modules of this course which has no doubt given a great clarity for all the students to understand the underlying principles and elements of creativity and innovation and how it can be integrated in the business. 

 

Personally analysing my learning experience and how these chosen module topics have helped me understand the concepts of creativity and innovation I would definitely like to mention that the course modules have been designed in an extremely strategic manner which allows for easy theoretical understanding as well as helps the students to understand the scope of practical implementation of these concepts (Alawamleh et al. 2018). The first topic which I have mentioned here is innovation as a process and in this topic I have definitely understood the concept of why exactly innovation is important for business organisation or for individuals who focus on improvement. It is through this topic that I have understood the necessity of innovation in the organisation and why the management today are extremely conscious in integrating innovation as their business process. Specifically during crisis situation and business challenge firms that fail to focus on innovation lose their competitive edge and this learning is extremely important because in the future years as I would work as an industry professional such learning will definitely encourage me to choose innovation as an integral part of the overall business process

 

The next element that has been discussed is innovation as a system and here the primary goal has been to understand why there is a particular system or elements that altogether contribute to a successful innovation process in the organisation (Saunila, 2017). It is through this particular topic I have also realised the necessity of collaboration or team work in business and how in the world of professionals the ability to work as a team and think in a united manner is also an extremely important sign of developing creative instincts.

 

The third topic which has been discussed is the three different levels of innovation. As a future industry professional I definitely think that it is extremely important to understand when and in what situation which kind of innovation will actually benefit the business. This knowledge is extremely essential to ensure that the resources that are used in the innovation process yield the best expected results (Mussner et al. 2017). This topic specifically focuses on this and is extremely beneficial in understanding how different levels of innovation are important in determining the different growth strategies of the business. 

 

Analysing the usability of these modules and concepts in real world setting and assessing its impact on my personal learning and development first and foremost I would like to analyse how it has helped me in my personal development along with the fact how it will help me in my professional areas in future that is focusing on the organisational context.

 

Through this course module personally I have understood the value of developing certain sets of skills and behaviour will are extremely valued in the real world of business. The first and most important skill is the ability to think. This basically means that it is extremely important to look beyond what is obvious only then one can get new ideas. Developing the habit of thinking out-of-the-box as well as incorporating problem solving skills is certain extremely necessary aspects that I have learnt through this course that will definitely help me in my entrepreneurial journey (Na, 2021). As a business entrepreneur who is immersed in creative thinking and innovation it is also equally important to hold a strong emotional balance that is the emotional intelligence that will help is taking measured risks as well as ensure strategic decision making. Analytical thinking approach is another important aspect that I have learnt through specific examples of entrepreneurs that have been discussed in this course and how these organisational leaders have encouraged the same in their work environment. Particularly from these course modules the areas which I need to give more focus or develop in my personality includes my present communication skills along with my analytical thinking skills (Syabarrudin, Eliyana and Naimah, 2020). This means that currently I feel that my team communication skills are not that effective which might be the reasons of certain conflicts which occur when we have worked as team for various projects in this course. Being able to communicate effectively plays an essential role in helping one to share their creative ideas in a persuasive manner. This means that if I am able to improve my communications skills then I can be more effective and influential while I share any such creative idea and sound more credible in this venture. Apart from this I also need to focus on my current analytical thinking abilities. This basically means that before taking a decision I need to be more precise and apt with my data and develop a problem-solving mindset that will eventually allow me to find a reasonable way to solve challenges. 

 

Implementing these modules and learning on a practical setting first and foremost I would like to discuss about my previous work experiences and how I could relate to those during these course modules. Previously the organisations I have interned with I have always noticed that the employees there did not have the mindset to think or solve a problem rather they focused on getting instruction and doing it as said. It is through this course module and learning that I have received I have analysed that these skills of creative thinking and innovation is deeply integrated with the concepts of strategic leadership (Nguyen, 2017) and the existing work culture. Integrating the concepts of innovation as a system it first and foremost important to focus on the leadership strategy and ensure that the business leaders are successful in building a work culture which is driven by learning and innovation. If this aspect is not taken care then automatically it impacts of the innovation culture in business.

 

The next strategic learning which I definitely feel will guide me in my entrepreneurial journey is the ability to understand what kind of innovation is necessary at which stage of the business venture. For instance as in future I plan to start my own clothing brand as an online venture I would definitely first prioritise on understand the market and according build a strategic business plan. Moreover to combat the existing market competition I would definitely focus on expanding my product line where along with clothes I would also sell certain accessories and utilise the incremental innovation approach (Verburg et al. 2018). This is extremely necessary so that the risk is minimised and a controlled approach can be maintained in the business. Along with this I would also focus on constantly communicating my plans with all my team members as collaboration is an important entrepreneurial skill which I have learnt from this course. I would also give equal focus on tapping new markets by incorporating breakthrough innovation which can be changing the existing business model and expanding the market through integration of advanced technologies like AI and automation. Here my primary aim would be to minimise risk and maximise profit.

 

It is also important to mention that through these course modules I have understood the different leadership strategies and styles and how it impacts on the organisation culture. Maintaining workplace agility and flexibility is extremely essential in enabling creativity and innovation. Microsoft and Google along with Spotify and certain examples that clearly state how  transformational leadership approach is extremely essential in building a cooperative and innovation oriented work culture (Imron et al. 2021). It is also through this course module that I have understood how in crisis or challenging situation it is definitely important for the business to continue its innovation process. In absence of the same it will ultimately lose its competitive position in the market. Overall it is through these course modules that I have understood the vitality of creative thinking and innovation oriented business approach in order to succeed in this highly competitive global business environment

 

Focusing on the discussion and the analysis of the course module, recommendations which personally I would suggest for the future entrepreneurs like us in terms of building business creativity and innovation is:

 

 

1. It is extremely essential to understand that while reading course modules one must keep a practical approach to its understanding. This basically means that it is essential to constantly focus on how these theories can be implemented in real world business scenarios (Hogan and Coote, 2014). For doing the same focusing on real world case studies and entrepreneurs is an extremely essential aspect

 

 

2. Along with this it is also highly recommended that one must be extremely open with feedback in their overall learning process. In order to understand one’s progress it is extremely essential to rely on feedback and take the same in a positive sense. Any kind of criticism that is received from mentors or the peer group in this learning process needs to be channelized in the right direction for better results

 

 

3. Along with this it is also essential to focus on building on-the-job training skills which will ultimately help individuals to survive in the real world of business and understand the industry with greater depth

 

 

4. Lastly setting strategic goals of improvement for oneself using the SMART Goal techniques is extremely essential in order to succeed as an entrepreneur.

 

Therefore the overall discussion which has been conducted in this report clearly states how important it is for the students or the learners to focus on their course materials as well as understand how to strategically implement the same in the industry. Today the global business industry is highly competitive, therefore in order to survive and grow businesses need to constantly focus on building creativity and innovation in their work culture. This is exactly the topic which has been discussed here in details by focusing on certain course modules which I have chosen to elaborate on. These course modules and learning are definitely an extremely essential component that will further guide me on my entrepreneurial journey and it is through this analysis that I have actually understood how to connect these learning and implement the same in a real business setting.

 

Alawamleh, M., Ismail, L.B., Aladwan, K. and Saleh, A., 2018. The influence of open/closed innovation on employees’ performance. International Journal of Organizational Analysis.

 

 

Ali Taha, V., Sirkova, M. and Ferencova, M., 2016. The impact of organizational culture on creativity and innovation. Polish journal of management studies, 14.

 

 

Amabile, T.M. and Pratt, M.G., 2016. The dynamic componential model of creativity and innovation in organizations: Making progress, making meaning. Research in organizational behavior, 36, pp.157-183.

 

 

Brem, A., Puente-Diaz, R. and Agogué, M., 2016. Creativity and innovation: State of the art and future perspectives for research. International Journal of Innovation Management, 20(04), p.1602001.

 

 

Carayannis, E.G. ed., 2020. Encyclopedia of creativity, invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

 

 

Cimoli, M. and Dosi, G., 2019. Technology and development: Some implications of recent advances in the economics of innovation for the process of development (pp. 117-147). Routledge.

 

 

Cohendet, P., Parmentier, G. and Simon, L., 2017. Managing knowledge, creativity and innovation. In The Elgar companion to innovation and knowledge creation (pp. 197-214). Edward Elgar Publishing.

 

 

Dziallas, M. and Blind, K., 2019. Innovation indicators throughout the innovation process: An extensive literature analysis. Technovation, 80, pp.3-29.

 

 

Groves, C., 2013. Horizons of care: from future imaginaries to responsible research and innovation. Shaping emerging technologies: Governance, innovation, discourse, pp.185-202..

 

 

Hogan, S.J. and Coote, L.V., 2014. Organizational culture, innovation, and performance: A test of Schein's model. Journal of business research, 67(8), pp.1609-1621.

 

 

Imron, M.A., Munawaroh, U.I., Farida, R.D.M., Paramarta, V., Sunarsi, D., Akbar, I.R., Effendy, A.A., Siagian, A.O. and Masriah, I., 2021. Effect of organizational culture on innovation capability employees in the knowledge sharing perspective: Evidence from digital industries. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, pp.4189-4203.

 

 

Kahn, K.B., 2018. Understanding innovation. Business Horizons, 61(3), pp.453-460

 

 

Mussner, T., Strobl, A., Veider, V. and Matzler, K., 2017. The effect of work ethic on employees' individual innovation behavior. Creativity and Innovation Management, 26(4), pp.391-406.

 

 

Na, K., 2021. The effect of on-the-job training and education level of employees on innovation in emerging markets. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), p.47.

 

 

Nguyen My, L., 2017. The impact of employees motivation on organizational effectiveness.

 

 

Nübler, I., 2016. New technologies: A jobless future or golden age of job creation. International Labour Office Research Department Working Paper, 13, pp.22-23.

 

 

Paulus, P.B. and Nijstad, B.A. eds., 2019. The Oxford handbook of group creativity and innovation. Oxford Library of Psychology.

 

 

Pianta, M., 2018. Technology and employment: Twelve stylised facts for the digital age. The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 61(2), pp.189-225.

 

 

Radnejad, A.B. and Vredenburg, H., 2019. Disruptive technological process innovation in a process-oriented industry: A case study. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 53, pp.63-79.

 

 

Reiter-Palmon, R. ed., 2017. Team creativity and innovation. Oxford University Press.

 

 

Saunila, M., 2017. Innovation capability in achieving higher performance: perspectives of management and employees. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 29(8), pp.903-916.

 

 

Syabarrudin, A., Eliyana, A. and Naimah, J., 2020. Does employees' self-efficacy drive their organizational commitment?. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11(4).

 

 

Tomory, L., 2016. Technology in the British industrial revolution. History Compass, 14(4), pp.152-167.

 

 

Verburg, R.M., Nienaber, A.M., Searle, R.H., Weibel, A., Den Hartog, D.N. and Rupp, D.E., 2018. The role of organizational control systems in employees’ organizational trust and performance outcomes. Group & organization management, 43(2), pp.179-206.