Personal Definition of Innovation, Creativity, and Invention - Essay Example

? A Personal Definition of Innovation, Creativity and Invention Introduction This paper analyzes the concepts of innovation, creativity and invention. A detailed discussion is provided and their comparison. A description of relationship between traditional and creative problem solving process is also provided. Importance of innovation to success of individuals, organization leaders, organization, and nations is given. Finally the paper addresses the issue of management systems and styles and how they are used in creating an environment where innovation is enabled (Estep, 2005). Innovation Innovation is creating something new or generating an idea into reality and use. Ideas are turned into facts which can be incorporated in activities to better their efficiency. Information and knowledge available and which is relevant is synthesized and produced in a new way that it has value in new processes, strategies, products and services (Rigby, 2009). It involves a creative process in assessing available body of knowledge. Ideas developed and expressed without use in current circumstance are useless. Innovation considers that provided information and expressed ideas should be continually analyzed and productive ideas generated to help correct, advance or improve existing activities. An invention is a discovery that has a unique function. Formulation of an invention could be from an existing idea or innovation. They are in most circumstances recognized and protected as patent. It incorporates creativity where certain ideas or possibilities are combined together to identify an existing relationship and hence creates a lasting solution to a given problem. Creativity therefore encompasses all processes of recognizing ideas that can be of use. It can simply be for purpose of amusing ourselves or communicating information to others. Ideas in this perspective are required to be unique (Pisano, 2009). Creativity is fundamental to all processes involved in innovation and invention. Creativity is designed to generate ideas and present alternatives while invention requires that provided ideas can be used to create a change and add value. Businesses ensure that they sustain innovation culture in their activities so as to have a competitive advantage in the market. In the case of invention there exists the concept of introducing something new that has never existed. Invention is created through making improvement of existing things (Pisano, 2009). People within the field where invention is taking place might be aware of it but importance lies on how it is represented to be unique from what others see and know. As creativity is thinking of new things, innovation is doing new things and invention is doing unique things. Innovation therefore will tend to help create improvements and cause changes so that there will be efficiency and effectiveness in doing things. New ways are researched to produce and improve creativity and help in producing something in newer and improved form. Technical/Traditional Problem Solving Finding of a solution for every problem is essential in any setup. Traditional problem solving process required that a problem to be identified, defined and analyzed and several solutions which can solve problem be chosen. A chosen solution is implemented and if it does not solve the problem another solution is selected. It involved trial and error methods (Pisano, 2009). Creative/Intuitive Problem Solving Creative problem solving involves coming up with solutions to fix problems by thinking critically. This could be induced by situations, opportunities or challenges while undertaking certain activities. Creative problem solving requires assimilation of innovative approaches to solve the problem. It involves careful selection of options of which are guaranteed to some extent that they will solve the problem. Many varied and unusual options are generated and well analyzed considering perceived extend of their solving problem (Rigby, 2009). Thinking is then focused constructively so that what is chosen is the best approach possible in tackling the problem. Traditional problem solving approach involves choosing on an option and implemented to see if it will solve the problem. The relation here is that in both approaches problems are defined and analyzed. The difference sets in when selecting the option to solve problem. In tradition option is implemented to see its effect while in creative an option is constructively assessed and outcomes perceived before actual implementation. Importance of Innovation to Success of Individuals Every individual in society wishes to be associated with success. Innovation therefore is important because it helps individuals think critically. When individuals are constantly engaged in creative activities that can help generate useful ideas then success is guaranteed (Rigby, 2009). Innovated ideas by an individual can help in entrepreneurship. Individuals can start and run businesses successfully since they have necessary skills in coming up with various innovative ideas that can be used to create competitive advantage. Success of Organization Leaders Organization leaders control and manage activities of the organization. Success of organization will depend on their skills to implement various programs of the organization. They are therefore required to create conducive environment that will support innovation. Leaders who are highly innovative in business will enable the business to prosper since they are in a position to use available information to come up with new ways of gaining value in the market. They will be successful only if organization continues to grow (Rigby, 2009). Success of Organizations Organizations are faced with problem of extreme competition in the market. It is important that organization attain a competitive advantage in the market than other organization to be successful. Getting a competitive advantage requires impressing of innovation culture in organization so that the organization stays in forefront (Estep, 2005). Understanding opportunities available provides information to innovators so as to come up with ideas of value to help in success of an organization. Innovation is necessary for harnessing creativity for business growth. Therefore it is important that the organization inspires an innovative culture and create a team leadership that recognizes and specializes in innovation. Also it will be required to link itself to various systems that provide information needed in innovation (Estep, 2005). Success of Nations Economic development is vital in every nation. This can only be possible if citizens are innovative enough to keep up with the pace modernizations. Countries having high levels of innovative activities indicate a stable economic position. National income increases because innovation creates extra jobs. Employment within the country will be achieved and citizens will be able to support themselves. Improvement in economy makes a nation to be independent and will not rely on aid and reliefs. Entrepreneurship in a nation increases job positions and participation of a nation in stock exchange since several companies will be formed and their sustenance will be possible (Estep, 2005). Management System and Styles Management systems are the accepted and proven framework that helps in managing organizations. It helps in continually improving processes, procedures and policies of organizations. Management systems help in achieving of goals and handling challenges like profitability, competitiveness, adaptability and growth. Management styles help in performing several roles and handling various situations either using autocratic style or permissive style. They generally help in making decisions on how to operate organization (Davenport, 2009). How They Create Organizations Where Innovation Is Enabled Management systems and styles enable creation of innovation environment. Systems and styles support innovated ideas and ensure that they are implemented as per directions provided by innovator (Davenport, 2009). It provides team spirit and necessary information required to come up with usable ideas. It is required that teams and individuals be provided with required knowledge and resources. Support and motivation to those involved in creative thinking so that they will be in a position to use their skills and expertise without any form of restriction. Management systems should be available to direct innovations within the required direction and making them maintain focus on field of specialization. Recruiting and retaining highly skilled personnel and allocating to them access to knowledge is important (Davenport, 2009). Conclusion As discussed above innovation, creativity and invention are vital to operations of all businesses. Leaders therefore are expected to provide suitable environment for innovation. The concepts of innovation, creativity and invention will continue to play a significant role in the success of both individuals and firms. Measures need to be taken in business to ensure that these concepts are nurtured and the knowledge gained well maintained for others to learn from it. References Davenport (2009) "Make Better Decisions," Harvard Business Review Estep, (2005) "A Polar Bear, a Cockroach, and a Space Alien Walked Into a Problem," T + D Pisano, (2009) "Restoring American Competitiveness," Harvard Business Review Rigby (2009), "Innovation in Turbulent Times," Harvard Business Review Read More