Creative Problem Solving Yadira Rosales and Daisy Padilla CCE 576

Problem Solving, Creativity, and Innovation Problem solving is essential Two kinds of problem solving Analytical and Creative However, to solve problems one must know which one to use

Problem Creative Solving! Problem Creative Solving: Occurs less frequently It can produce an impact on organizational effectiveness Focused on generating something new Some people don’t think of themselves as creative

Blocks to Creative Problem solving People have trouble solving problems creatively because they see creativity as one- dimensional only leading to new ideas We have developed certain conceptual blocks in our problem solving activities, personal ideas

Multiple approaches to creativity Four different types of creativity and the relationships, Whetten and Cameron Achieving creativity through imagination Creation of new ideas, breakthroughs, and radical approaches Define creativity as exploration Improvement creativity Developing incrementally better alternatives Improving on what already exists Clarifying the ambiguity that is associated with the problem

Multiple approaches to creativity Investment creativity: Adapt a competitive posture and focus on achieving results faster than others Working harder than the competition, exploiting others weaknesses and being first to offer a product, service, or idea. Rapid response, competitive maneuvering (Whetten and Cameron, 180) Incubation creativity Creative activity through team work, involvement and coordination among individuals. Encourage people to work together, foster trust and cohesion, and empower others (Whetten and Cameron, 181)

The problem Many adults who wish to attend college have many barriers. Those include having to work to support their which limits the times they can attend school, but the biggest issue especially for single mothers is childcare. Martha has heard that her community college offers ESL classes and some friends have encouraged her to ask where she needs to start. She has talked to her employer and she has agreed to give Martha two days out of the week to study English. Martha has never been in a college campus and is a little anxious but she has decided she will walk in and ask about ESL classes, but most importantly she wants to know if the college offers any childcare services. Martha doesn’t know where to start so she goes to the admissions office and because she is new, she doesn’t really know what to ask. Her question to the front line staff was, “do you have daycare available?” Because the college does not have a daycare facility, the staff responds “no.” Martha walks away feeling sad and feeling like she doesn’t belong. If she doesn’t have childcare then she cannot attend school. What would you have to know to help Martha? What ways can this organization generate alternative solutions to this problem? What is one way this organization can improve (or exemplifies) a creative problem solving environment?

What are the potential blocks to creative solving for this issue? First of all it will be important to educate front line staff of which services are available on campus for all kinds of students. Many times various departments might not be aware of other resources and it is so important for front line staff to know which resources they can point students to. In this case, the college does offer childcare waivers for students to attend college. Second, the other block may occur when people are not working with others to collaborate to advocate for students who might need this type of assistance. There might not be a sense of trust channeling from the potential student to the front line staff.

Appropriate methods to improve this problem definition Improvement creativity Developing incrementally better alternatives Improving on what already exists Clarifying the ambiguity that is associated with the problem Incubation creativity Creative activity through team work, involvement and coordination among individuals. Encourage people to work together, foster trust and cohesion, and empower others (Whetten and Cameron, 181) There are two types of creativity methods to improve this problem.

Ways the organization can generate alternative solutions Incubation and improvement creativity can be used to solve the dilemma of childcare access for students. The organization has been able to find more ways to support students who need childcare services than just providing waivers. Whetten and Cameron point out, “incubation refers to creative activity through teamwork, involvement, and coordination among individuals,” (Whetten and Cameron, 181). The institution has decided to partner with community organizations and YMCA to build a childcare center for students and staff to use. This is a great example of how this organization has generated an alternative solution through incubation (creativity).

Ways the organization can generate alternative solutions Improvement creativity- the organization can increase the amount of trainings or develop trainings to improve communication within various departments so that everyone is aware of what services are available for students. Whetten and Cameron, “people may also achieve creativity through improving on what already exists or clarifying ambiguity that is associated with the problem” (Whetten and Cameron, 180).

How can the organization improve The organization can improve by identifying and realizing that it takes very minimal misguided information to discourage a potential student. Also, having an improved communication between all those involved in the system is essential. It is important to identify the four types of creativity because in this case, we were able to work through the problem using incubation and improvement.