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Table 4. Details of the respondents involved in the study.
SEX (%) POSITION (%)
Female Male Executive Administrative Other staff
staff
38% 62% 34% 13% 53%
PERIOD OF SERVICE
1–5 years 6–10 years 11–15 years 16–20 years 21–25 years 26 and more
6% 25% 28% 34% 5% 2%
Analysis of the literature helped to answer the question of what characteristics are typical for
creativity-friendly environment. The study aimed at assessing organisational environment.
Information was collected by measuring characteristics in a quantitative and qualitative
manner. The respondents were given open-ended and closed-ended questions. Statements
for closed-ended questions were selected based on the assumption that the environment
consisted of a many different aspects, which were divided into subcategories. The
questionnaire consisted of six blocks of closed-ended questions, aiming at finding out the
following: how much respondents know about creativity; whether, in their opinion,
employees respond positively to changes; whether their organisation allows for the free
expression of creativity; whether their organisation has a favourable physical environment;
what, in their opinion, assessment measures should be implemented to induce creative
behaviour; whether the psychological climate in their organisation is favourable to sharing
knowledge.
Researchers Weisberg (1989), Sternberg and Lubart (1999) argue that the ability to act
creatively requires information about objects and phenomena, individual work moments and
methods of operation. The respondents were, therefore, asked to specify where and how
they learned about creative thinking and its development. Most of the respondents learned a
lot about creativity and creative thinking from personal work experience (36%) and
communicating with colleagues (54%), but not from educational institutions (1%) (Table 5). It
suggests that direct communication and work give the necessary knowledge to achieve
objectives and results, while educational institutions do not put much emphasis on creativity
yet.
Table 5. Respondents’ responses about their knowledge on creativity.
Where did you get information on or
learn about creative thinking and the
benefits it brings?
A lot Much Average Little
I didn’t
get any
At a higher education institution 0% 1% 20% 46% 33%
From courses, seminars, lectures 25% 25% 14% 17% 19%
By reading, self-studying 22% 23% 34% 10% 11%
From conversations, discussions with
colleagues
13% 54% 17% 11% 5%
From personal experience 31% 36% 28% 5% 0%
Many researchers, including Ferrari, Cachia, Punie (2009) and Beghetto (2007), emphasise
that the development of creativity is strongly influenced by the general context of the
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