Improving creativity results and its implementation in organizations using creative techniques through experiential learning training

The learning process of creativity in innovation teams is an important consideration in innovation management (De Bono 1967). Managers can foster and sustain creativity in their organizations through ‘experiential learning training’ (ELT) (Kolb 1984) and it can help to identify innovation opportunities and facilitate their implementation. In the La Salle Innova Institute Martinez Casanovas et al. (2010) study, a research is done on the application of experiential learning training in a new field and its benefits: how experiential learning of brainstorming creative technique can increase idea generation effectiveness in organizations and subsequently faster idea implementation and easier operational execution. In the research it is presented a comparison between ‘experiential learning training’ (ELT) versus ‘no kind of training’ (NKT) and ‘experiential learning training’ (ELT) versus ‘non-experiential learning training’ (TRA) of eighty five groups from different organizations. Some groups participated in a brainstorming session in an ‘experiential learning training’ through a competency training program, other groups participated in a brainstorming session without ‘any kind of training’ and finally the rest of the groups participated in a brainstorming session with ‘non-experiential learning training’. The findings showed that learning creative techniques through Experiential Learning training significantly increased the fluency and flexibility of ideas generated. The results also showed an increase in the number of creative ideas implemented. Additionally ELT seems to result in faster idea implementation and easier operational execution within organizations. This suggests that ELT approaches can help improve employees’ learning time and learning effectiveness. How does your organization identify innovation opportunities? Any experiences on creativity training programs that you would like to share? References:

• De Bono, E. 1967. New think: The use of lateral thinking in the generation of new ideas, Basic Books, New York.
• Martinez Casanovas, M., Miralles, F., Gómez, M., Garcia R. 2010. "Improving creativity results and its implementation in organizations using creative techniques through experiential learning training" Proceedings of the XXI ISPIM Conference 2010, Bilbao.
• Kolb, DA. 1984. Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, London.