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'''Creativity''' or "creativeness" is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts.

'''Creativity''' or "creativeness" is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts.

From a scientific point of view, the products of creative thought (sometimes referred to as convergent and divergent thought) are usually considered to have both originality ''and'' appropriateness. An alternative, more everyday conception of creativity is that it is simply the act of making something new.  

From a scientific point of view, the products of creative thought (sometimes referred to as convergent and divergent thought) are usually considered to have both originality ''and'' appropriateness. An alternative, more everyday conception of creativity is that it is simply the act of making something new.  

Although intuitively a simple phenomenon, it is in fact quite complex. It has been studied from the perspectives of [[behavioural psychology]], [[social psychology]], [[psychometrics]], [[cognitive science]], [[artificial intelligence]], [[philosophy]], [[history]], [[economics]], [[design research]], [[business]], and [[management]], among others. The studies have covered everyday creativity, exceptional creativity and even [[Artificial Creativity|artificial creativity]]. Unlike many phenomena in science, there is no single, authoritative perspective or definition of creativity. And unlike many phenomena in psychology, there is no standardized measurement technique.  

Although intuitively a simple phenomenon, it is in fact quite complex. It has been studied from the perspectives of [[behavioural psychology]], [[social psychology]], [[psychometrics]], [[cognitive science]], [[artificial intelligence]], [[philosophy]], [[history]], [[economics]], [[design research]], [[business]], and [[management]], among others. The studies have covered everyday creativity, exceptional creativity and even [[Artificial Creativity|artificial creativity]]. Unlike many phenomena in science, there is no single, authoritative perspective or definition of creativity. And unlike many phenomena in psychology, there is no standardized measurement technique.  

Creativity has been attributed variously to [[divine]] intervention, [[cognitive]] processes, the [[social]] environment, [[personality]] traits, and [[chance]] ("accident", "[[serendipity]]"). It has been associated with [[genius]], [[mental illness]] and humour. Some say it is a biological trait we are born with; others say it can be taught with the application of simple techniques.  

Creativity has been attributed variously to [[divine]] intervention, [[cognitive]] processes, the [[social]] environment, [[personality]] traits, and [[chance]] ("accident", "[[serendipity]]"). It has been associated with [[genius]], [[mental illness]] and humour.  

==Definitions of creativity==

==Definitions of creativity==

For example, Amabile et al. (1996) suggest that while [[innovation]] "begins with creative ideas,"

For example, Amabile et al. (1996) suggest that while [[innovation]] "begins with creative ideas,"

:"...creativity by individuals and teams ''is a starting point for innovation''; the first is a necessary ''but not sufficient'' condition for the second."<ref name='(Amabile et al., 1996 p. 1154-1155, emphasis added)'> {{cite journal | author=Amabile, T. M., R. Conti, H. Coon, et al. | year=1996 | title=Assessing the work environment for creativity | journal=Academy of Management Review | volume=39 | issue=5 | pages=1154–1184 | doi=10.2307/256995}}</ref>

:"...creativity by individuals and teams ''is a starting point for innovation''; the first is a necessary ''but not sufficient'' condition for the second."

 

Alternatively, there is no real difference between these terms, as creativity is both novel and appropriate (which implies successful application). It seems that creativity is preferred in art contexts whereas innovation in business ones.

Alternatively, there is no real difference between these terms, as creativity is both novel and appropriate (which implies successful application). It seems that creativity is preferred in art contexts whereas innovation in business ones.

The study of the mental representations and processes underlying creative thought belongs to the domains of [[psychology]] and [[cognitive science]].  

The study of the mental representations and processes underlying creative thought belongs to the domains of [[psychology]] and [[cognitive science]].  

A [[psychodynamic]] approach to understanding creativity was proposed by [[Sigmund Freud]], who suggested that creativity arises as a result of frustrated desires for fame, fortune, and love, with the energy that was previously tied up in frustration and emotional tension in the neurosis being sublimated into creative activity. Freud later retracted this view.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}

A [[psychodynamic]] approach to understanding creativity was proposed by [[Sigmund Freud]], who suggested that creativity arises as a result of frustrated desires for fame, fortune, and love, with the energy that was previously tied up in frustration and emotional tension in the neurosis being sublimated into creative activity. Freud later retracted this view.

 

====Graham Wallas====

====Graham Wallas====

There is, however, a dark side to creativity, in that it represents a ''"quest for a radical autonomy apart from the constraints of social responsibility"''.<ref>(McLaren, 1999)</ref> In other words, by encouraging creativity we are encouraging a departure from society's existing norms and values.  Expectation of conformity runs contrary to the spirit of creativity. Nevertheless, employers are increasingly valuing creative skills. A report by the Business Council of Australia, for example, has called for a higher level of creativity in graduates.<ref>(BCA, 2006)</ref> The ability to "[[think outside the box]]" is highly sought after. However, the above-mentioned paradox may well imply that firms pay lip service to thinking outside the box while maintaining traditional, hierarchical organization structures in which individual creativity is not rewarded.

There is, however, a dark side to creativity, in that it represents a ''"quest for a radical autonomy apart from the constraints of social responsibility"''.<ref>(McLaren, 1999)</ref> In other words, by encouraging creativity we are encouraging a departure from society's existing norms and values.  Expectation of conformity runs contrary to the spirit of creativity. Nevertheless, employers are increasingly valuing creative skills. A report by the Business Council of Australia, for example, has called for a higher level of creativity in graduates.<ref>(BCA, 2006)</ref> The ability to "[[think outside the box]]" is highly sought after. However, the above-mentioned paradox may well imply that firms pay lip service to thinking outside the box while maintaining traditional, hierarchical organization structures in which individual creativity is not rewarded.

==Notes==

==Notes==