Combination of Creative Thinking to Enhance Team Creativity and Team Performance: Analysis Result of the Survey to Graduate Students in the Project-Based Learning Class

Abstract

Organizations rely on creative thinking to create knowledge and use knowledge creatively in today's business environment. The purpose of this study is to indicate the points in combining the four kinds of creative thinking (divergent, convergent, experiential, and rational thinking) of team members to enhance Team Creativity and Team Performance. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the survey with graduate school students participating in a team collaboration project-based learning class for four months in one team. The survey was conducted three times; just after the team was organized, two months later, and two weeks before the final presentation. We analyzed the survey result in four points and identified three suggestion points. The first is to include members who self-evaluate themselves to have sufficient "rational” and “divergent" thinking in the team from the initial phase. Secondly, we suggest each member keep making efforts to control "divergent” and “convergent” thinking according to situations of the team and to be evaluated positively by other team members at the final phase of the project. Also, the team members should improve their creative thinking positively through team collaboration activities to achieve higher performance as a team.