Promoting a humanistic perspective of creativity by interpersonal qualities and web-based tools

Abstract

The rapid rise of web-based services and tools for communication, collaboration and learning confronts us with the question, whether and under what conditions these tools have the potential to promote human creativity. In this paper we approach this question by first elaborating a person-centered and relational notion of creativity. Based on this perspective on creativity, we investigate the potential of web-based tools and usage contexts in order to find out in which ways they are likely to promote creativity. As a result it will be argued that creativity - in a humanistic sense - can be fostered by web-based tools only if certain conditions are met. These include specific personal (and interpersonal) qualities of the participating persons, such as openness to experience and a non-judgmental attitude, as well as requirements on web-based tools. The paper is intended to expose the dimensions and conditions under which web-based tools can be used in ways most likely promote creativity. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.