Question

Is the evaluation and control process adequate for a company that emphasizes creativity? Are control and creativity compatible?

Answer 1

This is a wide-open question meant to generate a lot of discussion. The text does not mention this issue at all. Thereis some feeling that a large number of controls do constrain creative impulses. The argument seems to be that a person's mind must be able to run free without constraint in order to generate new innovative concepts. Data from advertising agencies and R&D labs do suggest that corporations emphasizing creativity tend to reduce the number ofcontrols used. Control is not ignored, however. Data is just not collected on intermediate activities such as time in the office or manner of dress. The emphasis tends to be on the end-result of activities rather than upon the activities themselves. Control and creativity are thus compatible if the controls are appropriate and used properly. Creative types may be like artists. To be successful, they need both talent and discipline. Most creative types, however, choose to impose their own form of discipline on themselves. To the extent that managers attempt to regulate the activities which go into creativity, they may destroy the very thing they are trying to nurture.