Creative thinking

The meaning of creative thinking

Creative thinking is when people can think of new and original approaches and ideas
to find solutions to challenges.
Creative thinking is being resourceful by applying artistic and clever ideas to create
something original or new.
Routine thinking versus creative thinking.
Routine thinking
• Is associated with a Left-brain function where the focus is on logical thought
and a methodical way of doing things.
• It is where consistent, normal thinking is applied to a specific situation.
• Doing things in the same way will lead to the same results because past
decisions are used to solve current problems.
• No new ideas or thought patterns are generated.
Creative thinking
• Is associated with a RIGHT brain function where new ideas are generated.
• The focus is on being creative, using one’s imagination, insight, art, and music
awareness to find solutions to unique challenges.
• This process is used to come up with new ideas to solve problems in a way
that is unusual and different from how things had been done before.
• This results in exploring innovative ideas and different ways of doing things in
order to obtain better results.
Conventional solutions versus
non-conventional solutions
Conventional solutions
• These are solutions that are believed and followed by everyone.
• These solutions are what most people expect and they appear to be normal.
• They focus on being relevant to a situation.
• Usually, there is only one solution to each problem or challenge.
Non-conventional solutions
• Non-conventional solutions are solutions that are not created as part of the
norm, and which do not follow what is generally done or believed in.
• These solutions are creative and unique and are usually a result of
creative thinking.
• They are often interrupted or changed by better ideas.
• Diverse solutions may be applied to problems or challenges.
Ways in which businesses can create an
environment that stimulates creative
thinking
in the workplace
• Businesses must emphasise the importance of creative thinking to ensure that
all staff know that their ideas will be heard.
• Inspire staff to come up with new ideas.
• Plan regular workshops so that brainstorming sessions can be held to
generate new ideas.
• Ensure that communication channels remain open by placing suggestion
boxes around the workplace.
• Train staff members to think creatively, to solve problems, use mind mapping
and lateral thinking.
• Encourage job exchanges within the organisation and other businesses to
improve creativity in the workplace.
• Encourage alternative ways of working and doing things.
• Accommodate employees’ ideas and try not to let anyone feel less important
in the workplace.
The advantages of creative thinking in
the workplace
• Creative thinking will lead to improved participation of staff members, which
will ensure the generation of new ideas.
• The business will have competitive advantage over other businesses because
of the unique strategies that are introduced.
• Businesses will be able to solve complex problems.
• As management and employees introduce and create many ideas, saving time
and money for the business, productivity will increase.
• Managers and employees will demonstrate more confidence as they perform
their duties.
• Managers will be inspired to lead their teams more efficiently.
• Managers and employees will apply their knowledge in a collaborative
manner when performing their duties.
• The morale among staff members will be improved.
• Leads to a more positive attitude as managers and employees feel that they
have contributed towards problem-solving.
• Creative thinking will ensure that managers and employees stay abreast of the
latest developments in technology.
• Managers and employees will be more creative as they are challenged to work
outside of their comfort zones.
• Creativity may lead to new inventions, which will improve the general
standard of living.
• Managers and employees will feel that they have contributed towards
problem-solving.
innovative an idea that
has been turned into an
everyday reality.

8.2 Problem-solving techniques

Businesses use problem-solving as an instrument to determine if there are aspects
within the business environment that needs to be changed.
This is done so that there is better control over the business environment, and to ensure
that if there is.
anything that needs to be corrected, the solutions are found and implemented as
quickly as possible.
The Delphi Technique and Force Field Analysis are two techniques that can be.
used by businesses to solve complex business problems.
The meaning of problem-solving
• Problem-solving is the process of studying a situation to find ways to bring
about change.
• It involves collecting facts that include problem finding and problem shaping.
• Creative and logical skills need to be applied to find solutions to the
identified problems.
• Alternative solutions should also be generated and evaluated in response
to problems.
• Problems can be solved by an individual, a group, or a team member.
Problem-solving techniques
Delphi Technique
The Delphi Technique is used to solve new and complex problems. A panel of
experts who never meet each other face-to-face, comes up with creative solutions.
to problems without having to sit through long, drawn-out group meetings.
Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis is used for decision-making, especially when implementing.
change management. The analysis involves identifying the advantages and
disadvantages of a decision for change.
The application of the Delphi Technique and
Force Field Analysis
The application of the Delphi Technique
• Businesses should invite a panel of experts to study the complaints
from customers.
• Experts do not have to be in the same place and will be contacted individually.
• A questionnaire consisting of questions on how to improve the quality of
products or services must be designed and distributed to the panel members.
and experts.
• The panel should respond to the questionnaire individually to suggest
improvements to the products and then return them to businesses.
• The responses from the experts must be summarised in a feedback report

• The feedback report and a second set of questions or questionnaires based on

the feedback report must be sent to the panel members.
• The panel members are requested to provide further input or ideas on how to
improve the quality of products or services after they have studied the results.
and documentation.
• A third questionnaire based on previous feedback from the second round is
distributed to panel members and experts.
• A final summary or feedback report with all the methods to improve the
quality of products or services is prepared.
• After consensus has been reached, the best solution is chosen