This paper aims to test the effectiveness of three extrinsic methods of inspiring more creativity in employees. The methods were rewards and incentives, training, and organizational learning.
To test the effectiveness of these three factors they tested a series of hypotheses on 258 managers and executives from car manufacturing units in India. They used a detailed questionnaire.
The test results confirmed Hypothesis 1A, suggesting creativity training increases the number of ideas and the creative performance of employees. It also confirmed Hypothesis 1B that there was a positive relationship between rewards and incentives, and creativity. Hypothesis 1C, which was about the positive effects of organizational learning, was also established. Finally, results supported Hypothesis 2’s statement that there was a positive relationship between employee creativity and organizational innovation.
The authors said the study was a valuable reminder to companies in the automotive sector that it is possible to stimulate employees to become more creative. But the lessons were equally valuable in other fields where there was a premium on technological innovation.
