Abstract

In today's competitive business environment, the global competition is forcing companies to perpetually seek ways to improve their products and services. The pressure on organisations to adapt to new technologies and external threats requires resourcefulness, creativity and innovation. The decision to innovate must be backed by actions that create an environment in which people are so comfortable with innovation that they create it. Enormous research has taken place to explain why certain organisations are more innovative than others. Drawing on earlier work, this paper reviews relevant writings to address the means of encouraging creativity and innovation in working environments and presents the key factors that influence organisational creativity. The literature review highlights three major factors that enhance creativity and innovation in the workplace: organisational culture and climate, individual characteristics and the support system. The paper explains how companies can use each of these determinants to enhance innovation within workplace environments.

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