Gronau, Norbert | Ullrich, André | Weber, Edzard | Thim, Christof

Using Creativity Techniques as Operative Knowledge Management Tools - A Case Study

Abstract

So far, the consideration of creativity techniques in the context of knowledge management is of insignificant importance. However, there are useful starting points for integrating creativity techniques in the knowledge management strategy of an organization. Creativity techniques possesses capabilities, which exceed pure problem-solving expertise. They can be purposeful used for accomplishing specific knowledge management-tasks. In particular the solution finding socialization of experiences, proficiency and insights of the participants, which accompany the solution finding process, may replace subsequent knowledge handling. Group techniques do not require an independent diffusion of the problem and solution knowledge. This article introduces a creativity technique, which has been specially adapted for the aspect of socialization. The creativity technique has been tested in practical case studies and its content is focused on the ability to solve interdisciplinary problems regarding critical effects on a system. Furthermore the article shows how the classical tasks of knowledge management can be covered by this technique. The criteria for the evaluation of the creativity technique are derived from the Potsdam Knowledge Management Framework. These criteria consider the suitability of the creativity technique and how the specific knowledge management tasks (e.g. knowledge diffusion, knowledge elimination, knowledge identification) can be fulfilled. There are different potentials. Conventional problem-solving approaches (e.g. if one expert is working on it) requires additional tasks to communicate the technical backgrounds of the problem and the selected solution. Creativity techniques are able to integrate this step into the solution process.