A Proper Lack of Understanding - Towards a Theory of Creativity in Multidisciplinary New Product Development Teams

37 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2015 Last revised: 25 Apr 2015

Date Written: August 1, 2005

Abstract

New product development requires creativity, multidisciplinarity is believed to foster creativity, and multidisciplinary new product development teams are increasingly common. However, there is little research to offer evidence for a relationship, either positive or negative, between creativity and multidisciplinarity. Traditionally, creativity has been a subject of psychological research, concerned with individuals’ capacities and achievements, and to date creative processes in organizations still tend to be viewed as the accomplishment of some highly creative individuals. Without denying the part played by individuals, in this article we explore the prospects of an interaction-based or group approach to creativity, in an attempt to explain why creativity in a new product development team may benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration. In particular, we propose ‘proper lack of understanding’ as a mechanism. Misunderstandings, if followed by a further exchange of viewpoints, are more likely to result in new ideas and new products than communication between team members who share the same knowledge base, who therefore ‘know’ already how to deal with a given problem.

Keywords: creativity, multidisciplinarity, new product development, teams, ideation

JEL Classification: O31

Suggested Citation

Dankbaar, Ben and Vissers, Geert, A Proper Lack of Understanding - Towards a Theory of Creativity in Multidisciplinary New Product Development Teams (August 1, 2005). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2597595 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2597595

Ben Dankbaar

Radboud University Nijmegen ( email )

Postbus 9108
Nijmegen, 6500 HK
Netherlands

Geert Vissers (Contact Author)

InnoTep ( email )

Enschede
Netherlands
+31 6 41118247 (Phone)

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