Creative Climate
Internal Conditions for Creative Behavior & Performance
OmniSkills, LLC
Charlotte, North Carolina (704) 385-7371 web: omniskills.com | creativeproblemsolving.com imagine@omniskills.com
A Quick Look at…
Swedish researcher Göran Ekvall identified 10 climate dimensions (nine positively correlated, and one negatively correlated) that
affect creativity in organizations. His conception has been validated by repeated studies in the United States and internationally.
Dimension Description Your Rating
Challenge The degree to which members of the organization are involved in its daily operations and long term goals.
In a high challenge climate, people are intrinsically motivated to make contributions, and find joy and
meaningfulness in their work and invest much energy.
Dynamism
and Liveliness
The eventfulness of the life of the organization. A highly dynamic situation is when new things occur
often and alternations between ways of thinking about and handling issues often occur. The
atmosphere is lively and full of positive energy, “full speed,” “go.”
Playfulness
and Humor
The spontaneity and ease that is displayed. A relaxed atmosphere with jokes and laughter characterize
the organization which is high in the dimension.
Freedom The independence of behavior exerted by the people in an organization. In a climate with much freedom,
people are given autonomy to define much of their own work. People are able to exercise discretion in
their day-to-day activities, and people take the initiative to acquire and share information.
Risk Taking The tolerance of uncertainty and ambiguity exposed in the workplace. In the high risk-taking climate, bold
new initiatives can be taken even when the outcomes are unknown. People feel as though they can “take
a gamble” on some of their ideas. People will often “go out on a limb” to put ideas forward.
Idea Time The amount of time people can use (and do use) for elaborating new ideas. In the high idea-time situation,
the possibilities exist to discuss and test impulses and fresh suggestions that are not planned or
included in the task.
Idea Support The way new ideas are treated. In the supportive climate, ideas and suggestions are received in an
attentive and kind way by bosses and workmates. People listen to each other and encourage initiatives.
Possibilities for trying out new ideas are created. The atmosphere is constructive and positive.
Trust and
Openness
The emotional safety in relationships. When there is a strong level of trust, everyone in the organization
dares to put forward ideas and opinions. Initiatives can be taken without fear of reprisals and ridicule in
case of failure. The communication is open and straightforward.
Debate Encounters, exchanges, or clashes among viewpoints, ideas, and differing experiences and knowledge. In
debating organizations, many voices are heard and people are keen about putting their ideas forward.
Where debates are missing, people follow authoritarian patterns without questioning. Debate focuses
on issues and ideas.
Conflict
(negatively
correlated)
The presence of personal, interpersonal, or emotional tensions (in contrast to idea tensions in the debate
dimension) in the organization. When a level of conflict is high, groups and individuals dislike or hate
each other and the climate can be characterized as “warfare.” Plots and traps are common, gossip and
back-stabbing occur.
Source: Ekvall, G. (1996). Organizational climate for creativity and innovation. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 5 (1), 105-123.
How important is creative behavior and performance in our organization?
How does my team rate on the ten facets? (Use the right-hand column, above)
What happens in our environment now that is helpful and supportive to our creativity?
What happens in our environment now that is hindering our creativity?
How might we improve the climate for creativity?
What are the dimensions of a creative climate?
Questions to ask about your climate
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Creative Climate sInternal Conditions for Creative Behavior & Performance
OmniSkills, LLC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. omniskills.com | creativeproblemsolving.com (704) 385-7371 imagine@omniskills.com
A Quick Look at…
Swedish researcher Göran Ekvall identified 10 climate dimensions (nine positively correlated, and one negatively correlated) that saffect creativity in organizations.
His conception has been validated by repeated studies in the United States and internationally.
Description of Dimensions Your Rating sChallenge The degree to which members of the organization are involved in its daily operations and long term goals.
In a high challenge climate, people are intrinsically motivated to make contributions, and find joy and smeaningfulness in their work and invest much energy.
Dynamism sand Liveliness
The eventfulness of the life of the organization.
A highly dynamic situation is when new things occur soften
