Radical and Incremental Creativity: Antecedents and Processes

Author(s): Gilson, LL (Gilson, Lucy L.)1; Madjar, N (Madjar, Nora)1

Source: PSYCHOLOGY OF AESTHETICS CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Special Issue: SI Pages: 21-28 DOI: 10.1037/a0017863 Published: FEB 2011

Abstract: This study extends creativity theory and research by differentiating between 2 distinct forms of creative performance: radical and incremental. It also examines the differential effects of certain antecedents on these two forms of creativity. Results demonstrate that intrinsic motivation, problem-driven, and abstract theory-related creative ideas are associated mostly with radical creativity, whereas extrinsic motivation and ideas that are solution-driven and developed on the basis of concrete practices are linked more closely to incremental creativity. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.