Creativity, planning and organizational change

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the relationship between creativity and planning perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Creativity is considered to be the source of new and competitive ideas through which an organization positions itself in its environment. A distinction is made between means‐end planning and emerging alternative approaches to planning. It is argued that in means‐end planning schemes creativity is predominantly a problem solving activity seeking to find an ideal mix of instruments to meet a clearly stated goal.

Findings

Demonstrates that creativity can be much more if other perspectives on planning are accepted. A broadened concept of creativity is presented, pointing to strategic devices that promote and facilitate creativity in an organization.

Originality/value

Is of value by stressing that “being creative” should be a part of an organization's everyday experiences, a component of normal meetings, and a reality for all members of an organization.

Citation

van Woerkum, C.M.J., Aarts, M.N.C. and de Grip, K. (2007), "Creativity, planning and organizational change", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 847-865. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810710831055