Creativity, Innovation, and Foresight in Action Research (Essay Sample)

Creativity, Innovation, and Foresight in Action
A foresighted person is the one who is able to think about the future, predict the possible happenings and prepare or take necessary measures for such eventuality. This is not limited to people; a company, firm or organization can predict the future and take strategic measures or plans to make sure that they will be within the parameters of their goals or vision. Creativity on the other hand can be defined as coming up with new ideas and imaginations without limiting those ideas to a specific context. Creativity involves new imaginations and ideas; starting something from the mental context and molding it into something substantive. There is no limitation on what a person can imagine or think, within the context of creativity. Innovation is using ideas and imaginations within a given context and for the purpose of achieving particular goal. Unlike creativity, innovation involves have a prior set goal and parameters of the same. Achievements gained in the context of innovation are measurable due to the fact that the past state or situation can be compared with the current. As stated by Hamel (2009), imagination is a fundamental aspect of progressive management. This means that any organization intending to grow, must appreciate innovation, foresight and creativity, in all spheres of the organization. The three concepts are often thought to mean the same thing; however, they are distinct from each other, yet have some commonness.
It is hardly possible to come up with innovative ideas, without having a foresight of the ultimate goal or vision. For an organization to apply ideas and imagination in specific manner, the end results must be premeditated. Foresight plays a major role in application of innovative ideas. As stated by Puccio, et al, (2012), the growth of an organization depends on its ability to identify problems which hinder their growth, foresee possible solutions and come up with innovations which will not only solve those problems, but also ensure that the organization attains its vision and goals. On the other hand, creativity arises when new ideas within an organization are generated without specific intention or particular context. It is possible to use creativity in order to come up with innovative ideas. The fact that organization can generate ideas means that the same can be fit into specific context to attain particular goal. Bridging foresight and creativity bores innovation. When an organization encourages its employees to apply the three concepts, without imposing unnecessary restraints, visions and goals can be achieved (Hamel, 2009).
As stated by Schumacher & Wasieleski, (2013), innovation can be termed as ethical if it enables long term sustainability within a competitive setting. For innovation to be beneficial and of great value to an organization, they must be flexible, able to adapt to changes and founded on creativity. Through this, organization will be able to maintain a long-termed innovation and survive the dynamics of their industry. Through this ethical innovation, organization will be able to produce good managers and leaders, who stir the growth. Involving all the members of the organization in coming up with new ideas and imaginations makes the feel they are part of the ultimate goals and vision of organization.
Ethical innovation gives every employee a chance to utilize his ideas and creativity. Leaders of the organization must ensure that every member‘s contribution is put into consideration. The most practical way of doing this is through building the spirit of teamwork among the members. Ideas and creativity will be easily shared among the member if each and every individual feels like he is part of the organization. Respecting ideas of others is part of ethical innovation. Through this, every person making contribution to the organization will feel that his creative ideas will be analyzed and applied where and when necessary. Communication is also critical in sustainability of ethical innovation. Schumacher & Wasieleski posit that it is only through building a strong channel of communication; either horizontal or vertical, that an organization can realize ethical innovation. One of the major reasons behind this, is that communication enhances loyalty, trust and integrity amongst the members of the organization.
Foresight, creativity and innovation within ethical model were manifested through my experience in a certain organization. This was through creation of an environment which promoted innovation, creativity and foresight of the employee. Through this setting, productivity rate increased. One of the reasons that can be attributed to this growth; within the conte...