Towards a Taxonomy of Idea Generation Techniques

Abstract

Business organizations often need to manage creative work. An important way of promoting creative work is to use idea generation techniques (IGTs). Numerous IGTs have been developed, and choosing from such a big pool of candidates can be demanding, which is further complicated by the elusiveness of the mechanisms of these IGTs. This study aims at developing a taxonomy for IGTs based on their underlying mechanisms of supporting ideation. First, the current literature for the classification of IGTs is reviewed. Then some related creativity theories are consulted and a new classification system is proposed based on these theories and previous studies. Eighty seven IGTs are classified according to the system. The implications for research and practice are discussed.

Comparison of Modified Hybrid Brainstorming With a Conventional Brainstorming Program to Enhance Nurses' Innovative Idea Generation

“…Moreover, participants in both groups were required to work with team members who had varied experiences and within time constraints; these factors may explain the enhanced performance and generation of innovative ideas. This assumption is supported by previous research (Korde & Paulus, 2017;Paulus et al, 2015;Wang, 2019), and a previous study showed that group learning amid positive environments may increase people's creativity (Reiter-Palmon, 2018).…”

“…CB is the first form of brainstorming and refers to active participation and interaction between group members through dialogue and sharing thoughts throughout the session (Al-Samarraie & Hurmuzan, 2018). Although CB is useful for both the problem identification and idea generation phases, its negative effects include production blocking (when one person is overly active and creative, consequently inhibiting less active members from participation), evaluation apprehension (being afraid one's proposed idea will be ridiculed by other group members), and social loafing and free riding (exerting less effort than other group members but reaping the same benefits) (Wang, 2019). Notwithstanding, CB remains a highly recommended method for the problem identification phase (Koroh et al, 2017).…”

“…This method may engender a significantly higher level of originality compared with CB (Paulus et al, 2015). However, it also has possible negative effects; as time progresses, participants may fixate on certain ideas (Korde & Paulus, 2017;Wang, 2019).…”

Effectiveness of Modified Hybrid Brainstorming Learning Program in Increasing Innovative Work Behavior and Innovative Idea Performance among Nurses

“…This method appears to provoke a significantly higher level of originality than does CB [22]. Nonetheless, this method shows disadvantage extent to which remaining fixed on certain ideas due to this method influencing participants dig deeply into specific categories of idea generated as time progresses [15,21].…”

“…CB is the first form of group-based brainstorming, in which group members actively participate in dialogue and interact by sharing their thoughts throughout the session [19]. Even though CB is useful for both idea exploration and idea generation manners, its negative effects include production blocking or inhibition of other members from offering ideas during discussion, apprehension of evaluation, and social loafing or free riding [21]. Thus, CB is highly recommended during the idea exploration [10].…”