1. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING Prof. Vidyanand Jha IIM Calcutta December 7, 2000

2. PROBLEM SOLVING Problem - a discrepancy –current state-desired state Decisions- Choices –Two or more alternatives Decision Making –process of choice making

3. General model of problem solving Identify problem Define Objective Make a predecision Generate alternatives Evaluate alternatives Make a choice Implement choice Follow up

4. Types of Decisions Programmed –Simple, routine; preestablished routines and procedures; lower level workers (usually alone) Non programmed –Complex, creative; no prescriptions available, upper level supervisors (usually in groups) Strategic –high level, non programmed, directions for organization

5. Types of Decisions Certain vs. uncertain –knowledge of decision outcomes –probability of decision outcomes –information available Uncertainty Reduction

6. Types of Decisions top down vs. empowered decentralisation premises computers

7. Individual differences in decision making Directive –prefer simple, clear solutions –make decisions rapidly –don’t consider many alternatives –rely on existing rules

8. Individual differences in decision making Analytical –prefer complex problems –carefully analyse alternatives –enjoy solving problems –willing to use innovative methods

9. Individual differences in decision making Conceptual –socially oriented –humanistic and artistic approach –solve problems creatively –enjoy new ideas

10. Individual differences in decision making Behavioural –concern for their organizations –interest in helping others –open to suggestions –rely on meetings

11. Moving away from the rational bounded rationality intuition selective perception halo effect contrast effect projection stereotyping self fulfilling profecy

12. Moving away from the rational obvious candidate garbage can model self interests enactment training

13. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING Using divergent as well as convergent modes of thinking

14. Creative Problem Solving Problem – goal not achieved –unwanted symptoms Mechanisms –habit –logical analysis –using analogies

15. Creative Problem Solving Mechanisms – generating alternatives –evaluating alternatives –looking for information Creative –Use of fantasy and imagination –Playful connections –Viewing problem from unusual perspective –Brainstorming

16. Creative Problem Solving Process –preparation –incubation –illumination –verification

17. Divergent Thinking Variety of responses Trial and Error Thinking Product not completely determined by given information

18. Creative Thinking Divergent as well as convergent Grasping the problem After divergent categorization, logical thinking, evaluation, comparison, analysis Cycles of imaginative and rational

19. A model of creative Intelligence Problem sensitivity, curiosity Sensing of problems, issues, opportunities Convergent thinking ability, cause guessing ability Structuring of problems Problem restructuring ability

20. A model of creative Intelligence A new understanding of problem that facilitates interesting new approaches. Divergent thinking, search for alternative approaches, solutions Fluency Flexibility Originality

21. A model of creative Intelligence Evaluation through convergent thinking consequence guessing ability elaboration ( idea, approach, solution) Refinement through convergent thinking ability

22. Fluency Generating more ideas Resourcefulness More ideas- some good ideas associative thinking Censorship- silly/impractical Generate, then evaluate Fluency- flexibility, originality Practice situations in daily life

23. Flexibility A change –meaning, interpretation, use, understanding, strategy Looking from many angles implications of multi-dimensional situations

24. Problem restructuring Hawthorne Experiment Contingency naturopathy Discarding old ways of looking Creative use of deviance internal debate

25. Problem restructuring data going to roots- slums A habit of looking for opportunities in problem situations –Shoes, garbage

26. Creative Thinking Techniques Ideate copiously Create constructive psychological strain- familiar to unfamiliar and back. Force wide shifts Identify most potent idea

27. Creative Thinking Techniques Brainstorming Attribute Listing Synectics Checklist of questions Structure problem- well understood, identify key dimensions Separate idea production from evaluation

28. Creative Environment Stimulation Nurturance Low- tension Constructive Feedback Opportunity to learn Diversity of viewpoints Freedom with accountability

29. Creative Environment Creators as role models Facilities creative norms and expectations of boss figure

30. Brainstorming Defer Evaluation Quantity begets quality more fantastic ideas Hitch hike on previous ideas

31. Brainstorming Both groups as well as individuals Better ideas in second half for problems with multiple solutions concrete suggestions Specific topic Choosing ideas and developing them

32. Attribute Listing For designing/redesign specific product/service Building up, grafting, modifying List basic but modifiable attributes/properties/specifications Generate alternatives Grafting attributes of some other object

33. Attribute Listing Abstract/generic attributes –container, handling convenience, current function More specific the better separate modifiable from unmodifiable List all attributes

34. Attribute Listing What may be altered without changing the main function State as more general/abstract attributes What functions the attributes perform How critical are they to main function prioritizing attributes

35. Checklist of questions Questions- Divergent thinking ASARAMOMONA add subtract alter rearrange adapt

36. Checklist of questions magnify opposite minify other new alternative Dissatisfaction with status quo