Reading Goodman Dingli 2017 Chapter 5 Applied Business Creat ✓ Solved

Reading Goodman Dingli 2017 Chapter 5 Applied Business Creati

List the three stages of creative problem solving (CPS) process noted in Chapter 5. Define and give an example that depicts all three. What are the basic steps of the Nominal Group Technique? Define and give an example Explain how CPS activity can be applied to individual, group, and top management.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Creative problem solving (CPS) is an essential process facilitating innovation and effective decision-making in various organizational contexts. It involves systematic approaches to generating innovative ideas and solutions. This paper discusses the three stages of the CPS process, explains the basic steps of the Nominal Group Technique, provides examples illustrating these concepts, and explores the application of CPS activities across individual, group, and top management levels.

The Three Stages of the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process

According to Goodman and Dingli (2017), the CPS process encompasses three primary stages: Clarify, Ideate, and Develop.

1. Clarify

The Clarify stage involves identifying and defining the problem or opportunity accurately. It includes understanding the core issues, gathering relevant data, and framing the problem clearly to ensure all stakeholders have a common understanding.

Example: An organization notices a decline in customer satisfaction scores. During the Clarify stage, they analyze customer feedback and survey data to identify specific areas such as slow response times and product quality issues.

2. Ideate

The Ideate stage focuses on generating a broad range of ideas and possible solutions without immediate judgment or evaluation. This creative phase encourages brainstorming and divergent thinking.

Example: In response to the identified issues, the team brainstorms various solutions such as implementing faster customer service protocols, offering loyalty incentives, or redesigning the product.

3. Develop

The Develop stage involves refining, evaluating, and selecting the most promising ideas to implement. It includes prototyping, testing, and planning for execution.

Example: The team pilots a new customer response system in a limited market, evaluates its effectiveness, and prepares for full-scale deployment based on the results.

Basic Steps of the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured method for group brainstorming and decision-making, designed to facilitate equal participation and minimize dominance of particular individuals.

Steps of NGT:

1. Introduction and Explanation: Facilitator explains the purpose and process.

2. Silent Generation of Ideas: Participants independently write down ideas related to the problem.

3. Round-Robin Sharing: Each participant shares one idea at a time, which are recorded publicly.

4. Discussion: Clarification and discussion of each idea, without criticism.

5. Voting/Ranking: Participants privately rank or vote for the ideas they consider most promising.

6. Final Decision: The ideas with the highest scores are selected for further action.

Example: A marketing team uses NGT to prioritize new product features. Each member silently notes suggestions, then shares them one by one, discusses feasibility, and finally votes on the top features for development.

Application of CPS Activity at Different Organizational Levels

CPS activities can be effectively applied at the individual, group, and top management levels to foster innovation, solve complex problems, and drive organizational growth.

1. Individual Level

Individuals can apply CPS techniques for personal problem solving and innovation. For example, an employee struggling with workflow inefficiencies can use CPS to identify the root problem, brainstorm solutions, and prototype a new process, thereby enhancing productivity.

2. Group Level

Teams utilize CPS to collaboratively generate ideas and solutions. Creative teamwork sessions, employing methods like brainstorming and NGT, enable diverse perspectives to address issues such as product development or customer service enhancements.

3. Top Management

Senior leaders integrate CPS strategies for strategic planning and organizational change. For instance, top executives might use CPS to develop innovative growth strategies, envision future markets, and implement transformational initiatives.

Conclusion

Creative problem solving is vital across all organizational levels. Understanding the stages of CPS and techniques like the Nominal Group Technique can significantly enhance decision-making and innovation. By applying these methods thoughtfully, organizations can effectively address challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

References

  • Goodman, P. S., & Dingli, A. (2017). Applied Business Creativity. Routledge.
  • Osborn, A. F. (1953). Applied Imagination: Principles and Procedures of Creative Problem Solving. Scribner.
  • Isaksen, S. G., & Treffinger, D. J. (2004). Creative problem solving: An introduction. The Center for Creative Learning.
  • VanGundy, A. B. (2007). Techniques of Structured Problem Solving. SIU Press.
  • Torrance, E. P. (1974). Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Personnel Press.
  • Haines, S. G. (1993). Creativity in organizations: A practical guide for improving creative performance. Quorum Books.
  • Clark, K. B., & Fujimoto, T. (1991). Product development performance: Strategy, organization, and management in the world auto industry. Harvard Business Press.
  • Amabile, T. M. (1996). Creativity in Context. Westview Press.
  • Runco, M. A. (2004). Creativity. Academic Press.
  • Paulus, P. B., & Nijstad, B. A. (2003). Group Creativity: Innovation through Collaboration. Oxford University Press.

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