Re: Learning vs. Innovation LO1526

Michael McMaster (Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk)
Tue, 6 Jun 1995 11:19:53 +0000

Replying to LO1502 --

Barry's explorations of creativity are very useful. They point both
to specific processes and the mainly community aspect of creativity.
Having the practical experience of processes that work shows through.

The issue of measurement that are frequently raised and I think are
reflected in his comments fail to pick up the organisational or
social aspect of creativity (or learning) sufficiently. If each act
is to be measured or even each person, then we will fail gain much
useful information from that measurement - and any reward system tied
to it will likely do damage rather than good. This is equally true
if we attempt to measure the creativity or learning in too short a
time frame or with too narrow a system perspective.

However, there are very acceptable measures. Over time, over groups
and over processes, some will be seen to have been relatively more
creative than others. The measure, eventually, will be in results
that are intended - that people care about.

I think the challenge is better expressed in measuring those aspects
which "set the stage" for creativity. The most creativity, for
instance, may emerge from the facilitation or other activity that, in
itself, produces nothing of any apparent creative value. Our problem
is focus on individuals rather than communities and systems.

To the larger question of "is learning worth it", the answer is: "try
the cost of ignorance".

I think this response makes it obvious that we've lost something
natural in our view of learning, creativity and innovation. Where we
lost it was to the engineering mind.

--
Michael McMaster
Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk