On creativity: a case study of military innovation
Loading...
Authors
Eriksen, Christoffer
Subjects
human systems integration
creativity
innovation
military
Navy
USS Nimitz
case study
creativity
innovation
military
Navy
USS Nimitz
case study
Advisors
Shattuck, Nita Lewis
Date of Issue
2015-09
Date
Sep-15
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
My aim is to present a view on how military creativity and innovation occur, a view that draws on four lines of creativity research. This thesis explores whether factors found to influence creativity in this wide field of research can help explain military innovation. Although creativity research has roots in the military, it currently follows a different path than military innovation studies. While the creativity research drinks from a well of knowledge shared by the fields of psychology, neuroscience, organizational behavior, education, management, and so forth, the authors of military innovation studies develop concepts and theories in relative isolation. The thesis uses a descriptive case study approach, and formulates a theoretical framework to describe the conditions that set the stage for creativity and innovation onboard the USS Nimitz. Guided by the framework, this case study shows that there are strong forces in the Navy resisting change and defending the status quo. Still, it is possible to outmaneuver the hierarchy and bring ideas and suggestions straight to the commanding officer’s attention. Faced with a rigid, conservative culture, USS Nimitz managed to create a climate of intrinsic motivation where individuals believed their ideas could make a difference and acted on those beliefs.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research
Operations Research
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.