New product ideation is the transformation of a raw idea into a robust concept with consideration of fit and feasibility of technologies, customer benefits, and market opportunity. Although the ideation process often involves ambiguous processes, it is the most critical activity in new product development (NPD). As a creativity task, the ideation process is considered heuristic rather than algorithmic. However, managing the ideation process as either a completely heuristic or an entirely algorithmic procedure leads to just conventional outcomes. Rooted in cognitive psychology, this study proposes that ideation activities in NPD should be pursued as Simonton's "constrained stochastic behavior." An ideation task not only needs good componential factors but also requires constraint to frame the task by precluding unwieldy ideas while promoting high variability of ideas. Focusing on the inputs and attempting to strike a balance between algorithmic and heuristic ideation process may provide the mechanisms to manage the psychological perceptions with an aim to stimulate and orchestrate the ideation staff's cognitive efforts to generate the creative idea. To achieve this goal, new product idea creativity is considered as the ideas that could turn out to be products that are novel to and useful for customers, and appropriate to firms' existing production systems. In addition, the study asserts that componential factors include two factors: specialization representing idea creators' depth of NPD knowledge, experience, and skills in a product domain, and diverse expertise representing the breadth of ideation team's knowledge, experience, and skills concerning the same domain of NPD. These factors are essential and collectively can enhance creativity in the development of new product ideas. Finally, goal constraint is defined, operationalized, and incorporated in the NPD ideation framework. This constraint encapsulates the overall criteria and stylistic principle for a particular product domain and reflects the frame of reference for new product idea development. The findings provide mixed results, and yield at least three new concepts. First, the process of new product idea development truly requires specialization and diverse expertise if its ultimate goal is creativity. Both componential factors are essential and together can enhance new product ideas on all important dimensions. Second, goal constraint exhibits a linear relationship, rather than an inverted U-curve relationship, with idea newness and usefulness-two dimension of creativity important for customers. Finally, goal constraint can enhance creative outcomes of new product ideas, especially in the ideation team exhibiting a low level of specialization.

The theory of self-leadership is gaining credibility and support in the era of globalisation and knowledge workers. As with many leadership theories, culture has been proposed to have a major impact on leadership processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent that self-leadership is correlated with national culture dimensions. Self-leadership was measured through the Revised Self-Leadership Questionnaire developed by Houghton and Neck (2002). The cultural values were measured through the use of Hofstede’s Value Survey Module 94 (VSM94). Hypotheses were formed regarding relationships between national culture background and Self-leadership practice. Pearson r, Chi-square test with cross tabulation and multiple regression were used to determine the associations. The results from the statistical tests showed associations between national culture values and self-leadership dimensions. PDI and UAI showed a positive relationship with visualising successful performance but a negative relationship with self-talk both aspects of constructive thought pattern strategies. MAS had a positive relationship with self-talk while negatively correlated to visualising successful performance. IDV had positive relationships with behaviour-focussed strategies, natural reward strategies and constructive thought pattern strategies. Long-term orientation had a strong negative relationship with behaviour-focussed and natural reward strategies and a very weak negative association with behaviour focussed strategies. / Graduate School of Business Leadership / M.B.L.

M.Ing. / The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship, between the innovative culture and employee retention within the organisation. High labour turnover impacts on organisational performance and survival. Despite an organisation’s level of development, many organisations face employee retention challenges. Therefore devising strategies to improve employee retention has become a priority for most organisations. The problem of high labour turnover was also observed during a pilot study conducted at the initial stage of this research study. From the pilot study it appeared as though a relationship existed between an organisation’s innovative culture and employee job satisfaction. A review of literature revealed that there were no extensive studies which had been conducted to establish the relationship between innovative culture an employee retention especially in South Africa. The need to develop strategies to improve employee retention and the lack of extensive studies in South Africa about whether innovative culture could influence employee retention motivated the current research study. High labour turnover has the potential to affect an organisation negatively with regards to employee morale, productivity, etc. Therefore, there was a need for a study to be carried out to determine the relationship between an organisation’s culture on innovation and labour turnover within the organisation. The research involved conducting a desk and pilot study to establish the problem of labour turnover; an extensive literature review to inform the researcher about labour turnover, employee retention, organisational culture, innovation and employee conditions of service. Finally a questionnaire survey and interview was used to establish the existing conditions among the selected sample. A relationship between innovative culture, employee satisfaction and employee retention was inferred from the data obtained from the questionnaire and interview survey. The empirical data obtained from the questionnaire survey and interviews was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) providing descriptive and inferential statistics. Recommendations on employee retention were informed by the findings from the survey. The respondents to the questionnaire survey and interviews were professionals and employees in the selected organisations from all departments (Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Trade Marketing). The participants to the study were drawn from the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, Manufacturing and Construction Industry Sector and from the Services (Banking and Utilities) sector.

The purpose of this research is to better understand how marketers and consumers solve problems. This research first reviews the problem-solving literature, discusses several areas of confusion related to problem-solving, and offers solutions. After resolving the confusion, this research then develops a theoretical model of problemsolving. Four hypotheses are derived from the model, and then empirically tested. The model states that the distinct cognitive domain of problem-solving begins with problem recognition. Given a problem, associative memory and associative activation provide a solution (H #1). This solution is either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If satisfactory, the individual engages in the satisficing process and accepts the solution (H#2). If unsatisfactory, the individual engages in the decision-making process and searches for information related to an alternative solution (H #3). Thus, the difference between satisficing and decision-making is the search for information (H #4). Problemsolving ends when an intended solution is chosen. A pretest and two studies are conducted to test the four hypotheses. The Pretest demonstrated situations that elicited problem recognition. Study 1 tested hypothesis #1 and found that at least 75 percent of the time associative memory and associative activation provided a solution. Study 2 tested hypotheses #2, #3, and #4. Hypotheses #2 and #3 were tested using a two-way ANOVA, Chi-Square, and Point Biserial Correlation and hypothesis #4 was tested using an independent sample t-test and Point Biserial Correlation. Results of all empirical tests confirm each of the hypotheses, which in turn support the theoretical model. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2017. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Professional service entrepreneurs (PSEs) paradoxically practice their profession in highly institutionalized contexts which require significant socialization, while at the same time enacting their role as an entrepreneur. Some activities consistent with entrepreneurship may be unnecessary for—and possibly even contradictory with— activities consistent with professional roles. In this dissertation, I addressed the questions of how two highly central role identities (professional and entrepreneurial) related to entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in professional service practices, and how EO influences performance in the context of professional practices. Using a sample of 139 physicians, I examined the relationships between the role identity centrality of two primary roles (professional and entrepreneurial) that PSEs occupy, the EO of their firms, and firm performance. This study utilized a mixed methods design, consisting of both a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews administered to a sample of professionals who own professional practice firms in the southeastern region of Florida. Findings suggest a significant and positive relationship between entrepreneurial role identity centrality and entrepreneurial orientation and a marginally significant and negative moderation of entrepreneurial role identity centrality upon the relationship between professional role identity centrality and EO. A qualitative study served to elaborate on the findings of the quantitative study, and revealed the potential of very unique understandings of the intersection of entrepreneurship and professional practice across a selection of physicians. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Researchers have proposed several theoretical explanations of how employee creativity is fostered and developed in organizations. The early literature attributed creativity to personal factors, such as personality and cognitive ability. Researchers also examined the role of environmental factors, such as role models, support and feedback in creativity. More recent research suggests that when individuals lack creativity-relevant skills, there are certain contextual factors that can provide support for the development of the necessary skills. However, there is a dearth of empirical research investigating these relationships. This dissertation summarizes extant research and advances the field by empirically testing the individual and collective roles of personal and contextual factors in employee creativity. / by Jennifer M. (Bowers) Collins. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2008. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2008. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Utilizing a modified Delphi Technique research study, consensus was sought from 298 practitioners in the public assembly facility management (PAFM) industry regarding their perceptions on varied matters connected to the academic preparation of managers/executives serving the industry. A comprehensive literature review and a prior pilot study were conducted for the purpose of creating the initial survey (Questionnaire 1). The pilot study consisted of an open-ended interview session with a panel (N=16) of PAFM managers. Sixty-four (64) of 66 consensus-seeking items attained consensus from the respondents (N=298) after Questionnaire 1 results were tabulated. Respondents were given the opportunity to re-assess their Questionnaire 1 choices in Questionnaire 2 and if compelled, change them. Items related to Kinesiology and Physical Education did not attain consensus status in Questionnaire 1 or Questionnaire 2. This study concluded: a) academic program in PAFM is beneficial to the industry (96%) and 63.5% viewed the degree as very important or essential; b) the preferred academic delivery level was Bachelors/undergraduate (52.7%); c) the degree program should be housed in Business (42%); d) the preferred competencies and skill sets were identified; e) the preferred course components were identified. / Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between the type of public assembly facility where a respondent worked and the preferred academic unit of the program, as well as preferred general course components. Recommendations for future research include: (a) conducting a similar study employing solely qualitative methodology; (b) seeking potential significant relationships with gender, ethnicity, geographic location, ownership and governance of facilities, years of experience; and (c) comparing and contrasting results of this study among faculty who currently teach public assembly facility management courses and the students that are in said courses . The rising cost of providing safe and cost-efficient public assembly facilities require that the people operate these facilities possess the best set of managerial, administrative and technical skills related to the management of these facilities; this study aids in that quest by suggesting competencies and course components, and potentially a PAFM general academic curriculum, based on practitioner viewpoint. / by James J. Riordan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

This design thesis project explores the psychology, significance, and power of play. The value of play is supported through historical and cultural context. Research for the subject unfolds the relationship between play, productivity and the mastery of creative thinking. Examination of the engagement of play addresses its power to inspire in both design education and practice. It also touches upon crucial dynamics of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development in the human life cycle of learning. As the facilitator of play in the context of three-dimensional space, I seek to elucidate the value of activating human behaviors that stimulate play such as curiosity, imagination, spontaneity, and personal expression. Serious fun is no game; play provides a meaningful strategy for solving serious design problems and developing mastery in the classroom and the practice of design. / by Annette M. Piskel. / Thesis (M.F.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013. / Includes bibliography. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / System requirements: Adobe Reader.

本研究試圖通過在進化心理學理論的框架內解釋和預測男性的攻擊和創造力。該框架基於性選擇理論，該理論認為人類的許多特質，包括攻擊和創造力可能與性選擇的進化過程有關。人的很多行為因受到性間和性內選擇壓力的影響，而會對具體的擇偶情境作出特定的反應。達爾文的性選擇理論提出，性間選擇壓力與裝飾品式的行為有關，而性內選擇壓力與武器式的行為有關。本論文通過三個實證研究，同時探討這兩種選擇壓力引發的擇偶情境與男性行為之間的關係。我假設性間選擇與創造力相關，而性內競爭與攻擊性相關。 / 在研究1和2中，通過實驗區分兩種擇偶情境來啟動性間和性內選擇相應的動機。具體來說，我要求大學生被試實際參與一個與異性約會的模擬遊戲（研究1）或者想像一個約會情景（研究2），並告知他們的行為表現會讓這一異性評價或者讓其他同性追求者評價。接著他們分別完成測量創造力（即，“納入類別任務“和“不同尋常用法任務“）和攻擊行為（“競爭性反應時任務“）的任務，被試在兩個任務的表現分別代表他們的裝飾品式行為和武器式行為。研究1和2的結果都一致地顯示，與男性大學生在性內選擇條件下相比，男性大學生在性間選擇條件下表現出更高的創造力但是更低的攻擊性。而對於女性大學生來說，他們在性間和性內兩個條件下的創造力和攻擊性表現沒有差異。研究3進一步探討對於裝飾品式行為和武器式行為特點不同的男性，他們是否會參與不同的擇偶策略（異性吸引或同性競爭）來獲得異性配偶。也就是說，有創造力的男性更傾向於採取異性吸引的策略，而攻擊性的男性則更傾向於採取同性競爭的策略。該研究使用問卷調查，118名男性大學生被試完成創造力和攻擊性相關的人格量表以及自編擇偶策略問卷。多元回歸分析結果顯示，創造力與異性吸引策略相關，而攻擊性與同性競爭策略相關。 / 本論文的三個研究結果支持了基於達爾文的性選擇理論的假設，男性使用創造力作為吸引女性的裝飾品，因此性間選擇與創造力相關；而男性也會使用攻擊來作為武器去跟同性競爭，因此性內選擇與攻擊相關。本研究結果具有如下的研究和實際意義。首先，現有的文獻只是在比較不同物種所具有的專門化擇偶策略時，才會功能性地區分性間與性內選擇壓力。本研究顯示這兩類選擇壓力對人類男性同樣適用。不同的選擇壓力還會造成物種內的個體差異性。如本研究的結果所示，男性在應對這兩種類型選擇壓力時會選擇性地做出反應，表現出獨特的行為來。其次，裝飾品式和武器式的擇偶策略不僅能夠依據不同的情境而被啟動，而且還會被看做是不同的人格特質，允許個體優化他們的性間選擇或性內競爭。第三，基於對人類這兩類行為的終極功能的進化理解，本研究結果有助於發展教育情境內（干預）專案或者課程，以提高學生的創造力及降低攻擊性。 / The present study examines male aggression and creativity as functions of inter-and intra-sex context within the framework of sexual selection. According to sexual selection theory, both intra-sexual competition, mainly among the unlimited sex, or males, and mate choice, mostly by the limiting sex, or females, lead to wide ranging sex dimorphic attributes, which are referred to as weapons (e.g., aggression) and ornaments (e.g., creativity). Within this evolutionary framework, I tested the hypothesis that inter-sexual courtship was associated with creativity as an ornament-like behavior, whereas intra-sexual competition was associated with aggression as a weapon-like behavior. / In the first two studies, I experimentally manipulated two mating situations to prime the motivation either for inter- or intra-sex selection in the laboratory. Specifically, these two motivations were manipulated by having university undergraduate students participate in a simulated dating game (Study 1) or imagine a romantic mating situation (Study 2) with their performance being evaluated either by a female date or male suitors. A set of creativity tasks (i.e., Category Inclusion Task and Unusual Uses Task) and an aggression task (Competitive Reaction Time Task) were used to measure ornament- and weapon-like behavior, respectively. The results in both Study 1 and 2 provided the consistent evidence, showing that men under the intra-sexual selection condition showed a higher level of aggression and lower level of creativity than men under the inter-sexual selection condition. For women, there was no difference between inter-sexual and intra-sexual selection conditions. In Study 3, I further examined whether individual differences in ornament- and weapon-like traits might influence men’s mating behaviors. I hypothesized that creative men tended to engage in inter-sexual courtship, whereas aggressive men tended to engage in intra-sexual competition. Survey data based on 118 male undergraduate students from a Chinese university showed that creativity, but not aggression, predicted inter-sexual courtship whereas aggression, but not creativity, predicted intra-sexual competition. / Together, these studies support the evolutionary theory that inter-sex courtship was related to creativity which men employed as an ornament to attract females, whereas intra-sex competition was related to aggression which men used as weapons. These findings have several implications. First, I showed the same functional distinction between intra- and inter-sex selection pressures on human males. The existing literature draws such functional distinction only when comparing different species with specialized mating strategies. Different selection pressures also act on individuals within the same species to create individual differences. As shown in the present study, men might selectively respond to these two kinds of sexual selection pressures with distinct behaviors. Second, both ornament- and weapon-like mating strategies are not only situationally activated but can also be regarded as personality traits that allow individuals to optimize either intra-sexual competition or inter-sexual courtship. Third, the results may help to develop educational programs aimed at increasing creativity and reducing aggression that are based on the evolutionary understanding of the ultimate functions of these two human behaviors. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chen, Binbin. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-83). / Abstract also in Chinese; appendixes include Chinese. / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘 要 --- p.v / Acknowledgements --- p.vii / Chapter CHAPTER 1： --- INTRODUCATION --- p.1 / The Evolutionary Framework of Sexual Selection --- p.2 / Sexual Selection --- p.2 / Weapon and Ornament --- p.6 / Evidence on Inter-sexual Selection on Ornaments --- p.7 / Evidence on Intra-sexual Selection on Weapons --- p.8 / Men’s Mating Psychology --- p.9 / Sexual Over-perception Bias --- p.9 / Unrestricted Sexual Behavior --- p.10 / Sexual Jealous --- p.11 / Ornament- and Weapon-like Behaviors --- p.12 / Sexual Selection on Creativity and Aggression --- p.16 / Creativity as an Ornament under Inter-sexual Selection --- p.17 / Aggression as a Weapon under Intra-sexual Selection --- p.19 / The Current Research --- p.21 / Chapter CHAPTER 2: --- EMPERICAL EVIDENCE --- p.23 / Study 1 --- p.23 / Method --- p.23 / Results and Discussion --- p.27 / Study 2 --- p.30 / Method --- p.30 / Results and Discussion --- p.32 / Study 3 --- p.35 / Method --- p.37 / Results and Discussion --- p.39 / Chapter CHAPTER 3: --- GENERAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION --- p.41 / Inter- and Intra-sexual Selection on Creativity and Aggression --- p.41 / Educational Implications --- p.47 / Limitations and Future Directions --- p.50 / Conclusion --- p.55 / APPENDIX --- p.56 / REFERENCES --- p.60

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1979. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING / Bibliography: leaves 299-319. / by Kenneth Michael Kahn. / Ph.D.