Can Students Who Study Management Learn to Think More Creatively: A Case Study and Experimental Observation

Abstract

Creativity is beginning to receive attention from management who are implementing creativity training programmes to counteract the lack of innovative ideas and decreasing productivity. A survey was implemented to see if educating students to think creatively prepares them better for their careers. Sixty‐seven introductory management students were divided into two groups: 44 were used as a control group and 23 formed a creativity group. Both groups received a pre‐test and post‐test measuring both creativity and basic management knowledge over six weeks. The control group was taught using traditional techniques. The experimental group received the same techniques as well as an explanation of creativity and exercises in basic problem sensitivity, fluency, flexibility, elaboration and originality. Learning potential was concluded to be equal for both groups. Creative ability may have increased for the experimental group, but this was probably due to the positive predisposition of the students towards creativity.

Citation

Massetti, B. and Munchus, G. (1986), "Can Students Who Study Management Learn to Think More Creatively: A Case Study and Experimental Observation", Management Research News, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 23-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb027875