The Creative Work Environment:
Manager and Employee Perceptions of
Factors that Influence Creativity Within Land-Grant Communication Units
Sherrie R. Whaley
Janet L. Henderson
According to research, environmental factors have the potential to inhibit or enhance creativity, particularly in a work setting. For this study, survey methodology was used to determine manager and employee perceptions of factors that inhibit or enhance creativity in land-grant university communication units. An overall response rate of 86% was achieved. A major finding was that managers and employees have differing perceptions of their work environment. Managers tend to view their part of the organization in a more idealistic manner than do employees. Additionally, managers revealed that administrative support and staff teamwork/interaction are the most important factors supporting their creativity, whereas employees cited freedom and managerial support. Both groups identified a lack of resources, excessive workload,
and bureaucracy as important factors inhibiting their creativity at work.
The communication unit manager has the potential to influence worker creativity by encouraging and nurturing a creative work environment. Managers can use findings from this research to design a setting in which individuals exercise their creative talents.
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