TVP – Metric 44 Idea Generation and Creativity

Resource Type
Tool
Authors
Alan Fusfeld, Innovation Research Interchange
Topics
Innovation Metrics, Stage-Gate, Tools and Techniques
Associated Event
Publication

Background | User Guide | Program Contents | Stakeholders | List of Metrics

1. Metric Description

The state of creativity and innovation within an organization measured via an interval rating scale. 

 

This metric uses an interval rating scale assessing the state of creativity and innovation within an organization. Four stages of development/performance can be given:

1. Managerial control systems and organization discourage individual and organizational creativity

2. Ideas are encouraged and creativity is valued in assessing performance of individuals, but no formal idea management tools are used. Creativity training is not generally available or promoted. Risk taking is discouraged directly or indirectly. Innovation takes place within well known and understood arenas.

3. Champions for new ideas are sought and supported. Creativity skills are taught and formal mechanisms are used to obtain new ideas from employees. Idea awards are presented to individuals and teams. Higher risk innovation for the creation of new opportunities is valued, but the technology management for existing businesses is typically a preferred route for advancement and status.

4. Innovative and entrepreneurial behavior among employees is encouraged and rewarded. Model behavior is highly visible. Funding programs are available to test new ideas outside the mainstream. The organization demands that scouting time are used to generate new approaches and ideas. Organizational status is higher for creation of new opportunity than for maintaining existing business. External sources are integrated into new idea processes. Idea banks and support systems are commonly used.

2. Advantages and Limitations

Assessing idea generation and creativity within an organization is not straightforward and most likely other measures will need to be developed.

3. How to use the metric

Members of the organization use this self assessment tool and then seek areas for improvement.

4. Options and Variations

As alternatives to the interval rating scale above, an organization might choose to apply simpler, more quantitative measures:

To measure the inventory of ideas in an idea pool, a listing is maintained capturing idea and source. The organization develops standards on number of ideas contributed in the last three month and for the year. A measure of the number of backlog ideas may also be developed.

To measure the amount of effort devoted to idea generation an assessment is made of the typical percentage of time devoted to idea generation.

Organizations may also want to study the extent to which creativity tools are used. Some may include brainstorming, brain-writing, lateral thinking (random input, escaping from thought patterns, building on provocations), metaphoric thinking, forced visual associations, guided imagery, six hats thinking, and criteria setting.

5. Champions and Contacts

 

6. References

6.1 Farris, G.F. and Ellis, L.W. 1990. Managing Major Change in R&D, Research-Technology Management, 33 (1), pp. 33-37.

6.2 de Bono, Edward, 1973, Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step, Harper & Row, paperback: ISBN 0-06-090325-2, and related works.