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Publications
Publications
  • September–October 1998
  • Article
  • Harvard Business Review

How to Kill Creativity

By: T. M. Amabile
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:12
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Abstract

The article addresses the topic of business creativity, its benefits, and how managers can inspire it. The author's research shows that it is possible to develop the best of both worlds: organizations in which business imperatives are attended to and creativity flourishes. The author observes that creativity is a function of three components: expertise, creative-thinking skills, and motivation. She believes managers can influence these components through workplace practices and conditions. The author sees managerial practices affecting creativity as falling into six general categories: challenge, freedom, resources, work-group features, supervisor encouragement, and organization support.

Keywords

Creativity; Situation or Environment; Motivation and Incentives; Organizational Culture; Management Practices and Processes

Citation

Amabile, T. M. "How to Kill Creativity." Harvard Business Review 76, no. 5 (September–October 1998): 76–87.
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About The Author

Teresa M. Amabile

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  • Transitioning Into Retirement: The Interplay of Self and Life Structure By: Marcy Crary, Douglas T. (Tim) Hall, Kathy E. Kram, Teresa M. Amabile and Lotte Bailyn
  • Retire Without Regrets By: Teresa M. Amabile, Lotte Bailyn, Marcy Crary, Douglas T. "Tim" Hall and Kathy E. Kram
  • Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You By: Teresa M. Amabile, Lotte Bailyn, Marcy Crary, Douglas T. Hall and Kathy E. Kram
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