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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

The Innovation Arena: A Method for Comparing Innovative Problem-Solving Across Groups
Published on: May 13, 2022
Factors for radical creativity, incremental creativity, and routine, noncreative performance
Nora Madjar1, Ellen Greenberg, Zheng Chen
1Department of Management, University of Connecticut, 2100 Hillside Road, Unit 1041, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. nora.madjar@business.uconn.edu
Abstract:
This study extends theory and research by differentiating between routine, noncreative performance and 2 distinct types of creativity: radical and incremental. We also use a sensemaking perspective to examine the interplay of social and personal factors that may influence a person's engagement in a certain level of creative action versus routine, noncreative work. Results demonstrate that willingness to take risks, resources for creativity, and career commitment are associated primarily with radical creativity; that the presence of creative coworkers and organizational identification are associated with incremental creativity; and that conformity and organizational identification are linked with routine performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
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