In 1976 Michael Kirton introduced Adaptation-Innovation Theory, a theory of individual cognitive style that embraces problem solving, decision making and creativity. Individual cognitive style falls along a continuum from Adaptor to Innovator. Adaptors prefer to actualize their creativity in crafting better solutions by working efficiently within the current structure, whereas, Innovators prefer to actualize their creativity in crafting different solutions, by working discontinuously often changing the current structure. This study is an exploratory design addressing the questions (1) What is the relationship between cognitive style, organisational climate for change and outcomes such as creative performance and job satisfaction? (2) Do people of different cognitive style prefer different climates for creativity and change? And if so, what are the differences? A theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on the theoretical frameworks and related measures of Kirton (1976), Ekvall (1991), Isaksen, Lauer & Ekvall (1999), Besemer & O'Quin (1987), Puccio (1990) and Cooper, Sloan & Williams (1988). A qualitative design was used to identify specific differences in preferred climates for clusters of individuals along the KAI continuum. Results indicate that Ekvall's dimensions of organisational climate and the current measure, the Situational Outlook Questionnaire, relate more to a climate preferred by those of innovative cognitive style than those of adaptive cognitive style. Additionally, when the discrepancy between observed and preferred climate is small, job satisfaction increases. This suggests that cognitive style impacts outcome through preferred climate. The climate for creativity and change is different for those of Adaptive style through to Innovative style as measured by the KAI. Generally, Adaptors prefer a relationship centered climate whereas Innovators prefer an idea-centered climate. It is reasonable to consider that the climate construct is a continuum just as the Adaption - Innovation construct is a continuum. The groundwork has been done for the creation of a style neutral measure of both incremental and radical change. This study is of interest to creativity researchers, creativity practitioners and individuals.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:625450 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Speranzini, Gwendolyn D. |
| Contributors | Talbot, R. J. |
| Publisher | University of Manchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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