Creative Problem Solving in Technology Mediated Groups:

Do Creative Styles Matter?

Dr Deepa Ray

Purpose of the Study

Most fuzzy business problems lend themselves to the creative problem solving process

Identify the multiple alternatives to solve the problem

Converge to one solution depending on the decision criteria

Two key processes in creative problem solving

Idea Generation

Idea Evaluation/Selection

Individuals may prefer one phase over the other

How do these preferences impact the entire group's productivity when groups interact solely via technology?

Creative Problem Solving Process

Creative Problem Solving Process

Osborn-Parnes model has a 3 step process of Fact Finding, Idea Finding, Solution Finding. Refined by many researchers

Model of Creative Problem Solving (a.k.a SIMPLEX Model) is a refined version which has 4 steps

1. Problem Generating

2. Problem Formulating

3. Problem Solving

4. Solution Implementing

Creative Problem Solving (CPS) process should be cyclical and ongoing in most organizations

CPS Phases in Detail

Problem Generating: consists of conceptualizing and trying to discover new and useful problems that need to be addressed within the organization

Problem Formulating: problem focus is understood and various ideas are generated to solve the problem

Problem Solving: all the ideas generated in the step before are evaluated with respect to criteria laid down by the organization or the team. One idea is selected at this stage as the best alternative solution.

Solution Implementing: idea is then sold to the entire organization or the individuals that will be impacted for acceptance and finally implemented

Phases in Focus

All phases are equally important to organizations

Study focused on two phases only

Problem Formulating: Idea Generating

Problem Solving: Idea Evaluating, Selecting and Planning for Implementation

Done to limit the scope of study

Individual Creativity