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Ideas rise from chaos: Information structure and creativity

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  • Kim, Yeun Joon
  • Zhong, Chen-Bo

Abstract

Is structure good or bad for creativity? When it comes to organizing information, management scholars have long advocated for a hierarchical information structure (information organized around higher-order categories as opposed to a flat information structure where there is no higher-order category) to reduce complexity of information processing and increase efficiency of work. However, a hierarchical information structure can be a double-edged sword that may reduce creativity, defined as novel and useful combination of existing information. This is because a hierarchical information structure might obstruct combining information from distal conceptual categories. Thus, the current research investigates whether information structure influences creativity. We theorize that a hierarchical information structure, compared to a flat information structure, will reduce creativity because it reduces cognitive flexibility. Three experiments using a sentence construction task and a LEGO task supported our prediction.

Suggested Citation

  • Kim, Yeun Joon & Zhong, Chen-Bo, 2017. "Ideas rise from chaos: Information structure and creativity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 15-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:138:y:2017:i:c:p:15-27
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.10.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Zhu, Lily Yuxuan & Bauman, Christopher W. & Young, Maia J, 2023. "Unlocking creative potential: Reappraising emotional events facilitates creativity for conventional thinkers," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).

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