Creative Problem Solving Theories - Essay Example

Creative Problem Solving Theories Name: Date: Affiliation: Creative Problem solving theories Problems are part of the human daily life, and what matters most is the mode of handling the challenges that comes along the way. The mode of handling the challenges makes one creative or simply a mere man. Therefore, creativity is paramount in each situation that comes along in life. According to Proctor 2005,a problem is any challenge that appears in the face of a human and it triggers him to over think in attempt to come up with a solution. Problems have common factors that are the givens, goals and finally operations (Proctor, 2005). Givens are the pieces of information or simply the facts that are presented when describing that problem. The goal is the desired ultimate end of the problem or else the individual wishes to solve the problem finally. The operations are the actions that are carried out to ensure that the desired goal is achieved and finally the problem is solved. The difference between the ill defined and well-defined continuum are mainly based on the complexity of the problem. When a problem is highly complex, more cognitive and modified solutions are paramount to ensure that the situation is restored back to the normal point. When solving a problem creatively, the knowledge applicable is of two types that include the following; declarative knowledge and it affirms that one has to know the facts and theories that surround that particular situation (Dettmer, 2007), Secondly, procedural knowledge is that which includes giving the procedures on how one can do a particular thing on matters pertaining solving problems. The approach includes the cog native skills, motor strategies and finally the cognitive strategies. Procedural and declarative knowledge are activated in the working memory whenever one tries to solve a particular problem. Creative problem solving highly depends on theoretical approaches that include six hats theory and lateral theory. The paper will seek to evaluate and later explain how these theories have been practically used to solve problems in work places and general life. Bono 1996 affirms that lateral thinking refers to the process of using specific tools and techniques in a systematic way to ensure that new ideas are developed and concepts created. Lateral thinking normally uses linear procedure of thinking and it does not advocate for the haphazard approach to issues. Additionally, it advocates for logical thinking and moving on the sideways to ensure that new perspectives are obtained and at the same time. The process of lateral thinking is normally proactive and generative and occasionally they jump from here and there to make sure that the problems are solved. Normally, they may explore the least likely paths hence it is usually a process of probability. Lateral thinking is paramount in recognizing dominant ideas that may be used in polarizing the perception of a particular problem. Moreover, it is important to search various aspects whereby one can look at particular things and relax since it is one of the ways of solving the problem (Dettmer, 2007). It is using the individual imagination to solve problems through viewing at unexpected perspectives. Normally, lateral thinking involves discarding the normal and obvious solutions leaving behind traditional modes of thought and coming up with new and lucrative concepts that are vital in the process of decision-making. Lateral thinking is very crucial business and more especially in the marketing, advertising, media and even design. All the above processes involve coming up with the right brand, and the strategies are very important in the endeavor of looking for a job (Laughlin, 2011). For instance, very many graduates are employing lateral thinking whenever they apply for jobs. Occasionally, they have hackneyed methods whereby they enclose tea bags in an application letter so that whoever will be opening the application may have break and look at the letter and through the process, they have the advantage of getting the job. Such practice is a creative process and many people are advocating for the same in many situations. Moreover, others may send their CV to the newspapers informs of a magazine and through that, they manage to get the employer's attention hence getting the job ultimately (Laughlin, 2011). Many graduates have used the policy of a magazine CV and through that; they have managed to get jobs that they would never have gotten. For instance, a graduate has been trying to get a job with an investment bank without success, and he had exhausted all the normal routes. As a last option, he decided to print about 100 CVs in form of postcards and then he distributed within square miles of the London city. He went ahead and posted them in each BMW within the company parking lot, among other important cars that were parked within the area (Proctor, 1999). Consequently, the following day he received very many calls from the executive officers who he found the cards on their cars and they invited an interview. However, they did not advocate for the process but ultimately the graduate got the job despite the petty fines here and there. Considering the above situation, it is not right as per protocol, but the student had to do it so that he could secure the job. Many are times people apply the lateral approach to undertake risky and daring actions in order to achieve their goals (Proctor, 1999). Moreover, another student applied the lateral theory when she wanted to secure a job as a journalist in a local newspaper. She decided to analyze the contents of the paper carefully and later compared it to the other local newspapers. She made some conclusive deductions hence making it possible for her to evaluate points of corrections that were necessary in that particular company. Additionally, she went ahead and conducted a survey of the local readers and their opinions concerning the paper through making interviews of the passersby at the city centre. Using the information that she collected from the readers, she finally managed to draft a list of possible changes that would be done on the paper, and she went ahead, gave a sample of what she thought needed to be done on that particular paper to the editor. Through the task, the editor invited her, and they deliberated to implement the suggestions and the next vacant that was announced was given to her with little or complaints (Proctor, 1999). New York graduate wanted to work in an advertising agency employed lateral problem solving strategy, he searched the name of the big five most creative directors and advertised their names in Google. Whenever the directors searched their names in Google, they would get an advert describing them as the most creative people and their capabilities. Out of the five directors for called him, and managed to offer him a job and that marked success for Mark. As per the protocol, the action was not the right one, but he had to do something to ensure that he caught the attention of the directors. Finally, the action ultimately helped him to secure a job, and that was very important for him and the entire population (Orhan, 2012). Through lateral thinking, many people have managed to solve their immediate problems and even get jobs as a result. Considering the above-discussed processes, it is important to note that lateral thinking and problem solving is paramount in the day-to-day lives that people are living in. It is worth noting that brainstorming is a lateral form of solving problems, and it is usually applicable in many circumstances such as the one that is described above. It is only through brainstorming that the above individuals managed to solve the immediate challenges. Therefore, brainstorming becomes part of the process of lateral thinking and many people have used the strategy and it have proved to be effective in solving problems. According to Orhan 2012, the other theory that is highly involved in creative problem solving is the” Six thinking hat” it is highly applicable in problem solving procedure despite the fact there are differences between the process and the individual (HATS). The (HAT)s normally provide basic mechanism for evaluating ideas and making decisions that are in line with what is at hand. The hats are mainly six and each hat has a distinctive color hence affirming that each hut has a distinctive thinking process (Orhan, 2012). The hats help the users to apply the parallel thinking strategy where an individual can wear this particular hat and remove the other one. The white hat describes the thinking that is neutral in terms of emotions. Decision that are normally made when one is normal, help one to ensure that decision and solving problem process is fulfilled and normal. The red hat depicts feelings, intuition, guts, and emotions and finally the instincts that an individual has whenever is making a decision. The black hat represents a well thought out and analytical thinking that aims at ensuring that whatever is planned is in the line criticality and thoughtfulness. The next hat is the yellow, it describes optimism, and the positive thinking approaches. Green hat normally stands for creativity and the coordination of new ideas, possibilities. Finally, the blue hat represents the coordination, controlling and the discipline that dictates when to use which hat (Orphan, 2012). The hats are normally used in problem solving skills and dictating what to do in a given circumstance. Strategic planning is also another function of the hats since they help the managers and other related stakeholders to plan strategically on matters pertaining the welfare of the organization. All these hats are paramount in decision-making and creative problem solving. Creative problem solving using the above hats have been extensively used in making decision for corporate bodies and other major bodies. For example, apple Inc has been using the approach to decide which products should be released in china market and those that need to be withheld. Moreover, the merging of the hp and Compaq was a decision made based on conclusive application of the six hats theory (Orhan, 2012). In conclusion, it is evident that creative problem is part hence making it paramount for the parties to be well armed with relevant theories. The theories are paramount since they determine how effective the solution will turn out to be. Lateral and six hats theory of problem solving have proved to be efficient in problem solving hence its application now and then. References Dettmer, H. W. (2007). The logical thinking process: a systems approach to complex problem solving. Milwaukee, Wis.: ASQ Quality Press. Laughlin, P. R. (2011). Group problem solving. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Orhan, S. (2012). Six Thinking Hats Technique Supported Visuals Effects of Students' Speaking Skills Develop. Journal of Turkish Studies , Volume 7 Issue 3(7), 1893-1909. Proctor, T. (1999). Creative problem solving for managers. London: Routledge. Proctor, T. 2005. Creative problem solving for managers (2nded). Rutledge: London. Read More