ABSTRACT

This chapter aims to define creative thinking, distinguishing it from analytical thinking, and identify the major barriers which hinder creativity. While everybody has an innate creative ability, there seem to be barriers which prevent the average manager from using it effectively. There are a number of barriers which get in the way of the analytical managers. The more important are: self-imposed barriers; patterns, or one unique answer; conformity; not challenging the obvious; evaluating too quickly; fear of looking a fool. In a creative situation, these barriers must be lowered or removed, and a free-wheeling atmosphere generated in which all ideas are acceptable no matter how silly or wild. In other words, the educational system unwittingly raises barriers, which prevent men and women from being creative. It is these barriers which must be identified and removed. One of the prerequisites for the application of creativity techniques is an awareness of the barriers which hinder creativity, and their removal.