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Breaking‐out‐of‐the‐box in organizations: Structuring a positive climate for the development of creativity in the workplace

Joseph Cangemi (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA)
Richard Miller (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA)

Journal of Management Development

ISSN: 0262-1711

Article publication date: 29 May 2007

3477

Abstract

Purpose

The authors share the observations of a combined 70 years of consultation with organizations, and input from tens of thousands of worldwide employees, to explore conventional barriers encountered in the work environment and how to “break‐out‐of‐the‐box” to find more creative solutions to organizational problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative based on over 70 years of consultation with organizations on a wide variety of related managerial subjects.

Findings

Certain behaviors must precede any attempts to create a fulfilling, stimulating, and freedom‐to‐think, creative work environment. Formulation and fulfillment of a psychological contract, especially on the part of the organization's leaders – but also including employees – seems to be an effective process for the development of an open, healthy climate which is encouraging and conducive to the development of creativity. In the larger view of the organization, such freedom which comes from clear understanding and expression of expectations within the company significantly increases its transparency. With increased clarity of understanding of the work environment and supportive leadership, employees will go beyond the job minimums and offer creative, “out‐of‐the‐box” contributions.

Originality/value

A creative new look at an old but very critical subject.

Keywords

Citation

Cangemi, J. and Miller, R. (2007), "Breaking‐out‐of‐the‐box in organizations: Structuring a positive climate for the development of creativity in the workplace", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 401-410. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710710748239

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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