REFLECTIONS ON CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP

238 REFLECTIONS ON CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP

organizational, cultural, and leadership steps have to be taken to

manage creatively.

Organizational Factors

We need to look at the organizational variables that make for a creative

workplace — for example, the structure. Is it bureaucratic or organic? Is

it centralized or decentralized? Obviously, a decentralized, fl uid, less

rigid, boundary - free structure is to be recommended, since a highly

formalized environment tends to have a stifl ing effect on creativity

(Kelley and Littman, 2000 ; Goldenberg and Mazursky, 2002 ; Hesselbein

and Johnston, 2002 ). Decentralization is linked to accountability,

responsibility, and direct feedback, and as a result people gain a feeling

of control. Having a perception of control over one ’ s environment makes

people feel better. Feeling good has a positive effect on one ’ s work. The

key to getting the best out of people is a high degree of freedom. To

enhance creativity, people need to feel that they are in charge of their

work and ideas. Excessive reporting and standardized procedures are

counterproductive to this.

The company should also have performance evaluation and com-

pensation systems that reward innovation. An appropriate reward system

will single out the creative people behind a successful project for

recognition and offer them a share in the consequent bonuses or other

forms of reward in appreciation for their contribution. However, crea-

tive people are not principally motivated by rewards. It is much more

important for them to see their ideas realized. Furthermore, giving

successful contributors a piece of the action can do wonders for their

sense of equity.

There are many ways to stimulate learning and new ideas. There

should be frequent and easy lateral communication in the organiza-

tion. ‘ Bypassing ’ should not be a dirty word: people should not be

forced to communicate through specifi c or hierarchical channels. Jobs

should not be narrowly defi ned. Task interdependency and job rota-

tion can also be useful; knowing the details of other jobs leads to a

broader point of view. Multidisciplinary project teams are also an

advantage.

Talent management is another critical organizational area. Diversity

should be embraced and there should be openness to non - conformists

in the organization. These non - conformists may ask awkward or unusual

questions, but they may also be the people who identify new product

niches or come up with more effective ways of organizing. In general,