Using the Creative Cognition Approach in Essay Assignments in Leadership Education

Abstract

This application brief covers, “The Final Question”, an alternative essay design that encourages the learner to think creatively in Ph.D. Organization Theory or Leadership courses. “The Final Question” asks, “Do leaders change organizations or do organizations change leaders?” It is a simple question, but only the first in a series of prompts that guide Ph.D. learners on a path to become more creative thinkers. First, the learner must explore two knowledge domains in detail: Leadership Theory and Organization Theory. Next, the learner must combine information from each domain to create novel ideas about leadership action in organizational contexts. Finally, the learner must name the new concepts and share them with other learners.