How to Develop More Creative Strategic Plans: Results from an Empirical Study

Abstract:     
What factors help and hinder creativity within the strategic planning process? An exploratory study examined the strategic plans of groups of graduates for their own business school. The students were assessed for rigidity of cognitive orientation, and divided into open-minded groups, and two other groups of more rigid orientation. Strategic plans were rated for originality and relevance. An open minded orientation affected the production of a strategic plan in a positive way. The productivity (quantity) of the more closed-mind type of group was enhanced in the elaboration of a strategic plan through interventions introducing creativity. The quality of production was only marginally enhanced. We conclude that creativity-enhancing techniques had a marginal direct effect on efforts to deal with ill-defined problems such as a strategic plan. Additional indirect effects (by influencing rigid cognitive orientation) may be occurring.

JEL Classification: M13

Accepted Paper Series