The main approaches to the study of creativity and innovation in the organizational context

Abstract

The article analyzes the problem of studying the creativity and innovation of employees. The main approaches to defining the concepts of creativity and innovation are highlighted. The interconnectedness of these concepts through novelty as a common feature of innovation and creativity is substantiated. The key difference between creativity and innovation is identified, which is that the latter requires implementation, adoption, and dissemination. The idea also have to be relevant, useful, and effective to be considered innovative in the organizational context. Approaches to the study of creativity and innovation at 3 levels: micro (individual), meso (team), and macro (organizational) are described. The typical focus of individual level of analysis of creativity and innovation are determined: motivation, personality traits, purposefulness, self- concept, cognitive style, creative behavior. Research at the team level focuses on the analysis of team structure and composition, team climate, team processes, and leadership style. At the organizational level, attributes such as knowledge and networks, organizational structure and strategy, organization size, culture, organizational climate, environment, dissemination of innovation, and corporate entrepreneurship are analyzed. Organizational creativity is defined as the creation of a valuable, useful, new product, service, idea, or process by individuals working together in a complex social system. The relationship between manifestaion of creativity and innovation at different levels is highlighted. Taking into account the complexity of these concepts, the need for further empirical research on creativity and innovation in relation to a set of external factors is justified.