Creativity in short-term self-directed groups: an analysis using a complexity-based framework

Abstract

This paper uses a complexity-based framework to study creativity in short-term self-directed groups. The study is based on observations and interviews collected from three eight-day working groups addressing real-life societal challenges. Qualitative content analysis of the data was conducted using Atlas.ti. The results reveal group differences in creative capacity as well as difficulties in achieving a working mode that enables the production of creative output within a short space of time. Based on these results we identified seven factors that support creativity in these short-term groups. The results provide important clues for organising and facilitating creativity and innovation in self-directed work groups, self-managed teams and other short-term and ad hoc groups.