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Can Software Influence Creativity?

Author

Listed:
  • Joyce J. Elam

    (Graduate School of Business, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712)

  • Melissa Mead

    (Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02163)

Abstract

The concept of decision support systems that emerged in the seventies offered the promise of computer-based tools that would enable decision makers to develop better and more creative solutions to the problems they face. The realization of this promise depends on the validity of two assumptions: (1) individuals can be helped to be more creative and (2) software, appropriately designed, can provide this help. Evidence from creativity research supports the first assumption. This paper explores the second assumption. A set of guidelines for designing DSS is developed from the creativity literature and two hypotheses involving the use of a DSS developed in accordance with these guidelines are proposed. To test these hypotheses, an experiment involving three groups of auditors from a “big eight” accounting firm was conducted. Each group was asked to respond to two different decision situations. Two groups were given separate versions of a DSS specifically selected because it contained features that were thought to enhance creativity. Another group was given no software. The results of the experiment indicate significant differences in the creativity of the responses generated by the three groups. Possible explanations for these differences are explored.

Suggested Citation

  • Joyce J. Elam & Melissa Mead, 1990. "Can Software Influence Creativity?," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 1(1), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orisre:v:1:y:1990:i:1:p:1-22
    DOI: 10.1287/isre.1.1.1
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. I Millet & J L Gogan, 2006. "A dialectical framework for problem structuring and information technology," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(4), pages 434-442, April.
    2. Monica J. Garfield & Nolan J. Taylor & Alan R. Dennis & John W. Satzinger, 2001. "Research Report: Modifying Paradigms—Individual Differences, Creativity Techniques, and Exposure to Ideas in Group Idea Generation," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 12(3), pages 322-333, September.
    3. Sarv Devaraj & Rajiv Kohli, 2003. "Performance Impacts of Information Technology: Is Actual Usage the Missing Link?," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 49(3), pages 273-289, March.
    4. Matthias Voigt & Katrin Bergener & Jörg Becker, 2013. "Comprehensive Support for Creativity-Intensive Processes," Business & Information Systems Engineering: The International Journal of WIRTSCHAFTSINFORMATIK, Springer;Gesellschaft für Informatik e.V. (GI), vol. 5(4), pages 227-242, August.
    5. Althuizen, N.A.P. & Wierenga, B., 2003. "The Effectiveness of Case-Based Reasoning: An Application in Sales Promotions," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2003-053-MKT, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    6. Wei Zhang & Qingpu Zhang, 2014. "Multi-stage evaluation and selection in the formation process of complex creative solution," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 2375-2404, September.
    7. Wei Zhang & Yongli Li & Wenyao Zhang & Shengli Dai, 2019. "Social network evolution in creative process of CNPD teams: a case study of Chinese companies," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 53(1), pages 143-181, January.

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