Facilitating idea generation in a team context: the effects of technique, perceived organizational support, individual differences and satisfaction with idea generation

Abstract

The current study examines the effects of idea generation technique (IGT), perceived organizational support (POS), associative problem-solving style (APS), bisociative problem-solving style (BPS), need for cognition (NFC) and satisfaction with idea generation (SJG) on idea generation in a team context. Previous brainstorming research has shown that more ideas are generated when a nominal group IGT is employed, when compared to an interactive IGT. However, the innovation literature suggests the opposite - that more ideas will be generated in an interactive context. To address this theoretical discrepancy, a strong inference approach was used to test competing hypotheses. Results suggest the interactive IGT is optimal for facilitating idea generation. Past research suggests that POS is positively related to idea generation. While the current study predicted this relationship, results indicated that there is a negative relationship between the two. Based on the literature, it was hypothesized that APS would be negatively related to idea generation, while BPS would have a positive affect on idea generation. Results partially supported this pattern in that the role of APS was supported while the effect of BPS was not significant. Past research has found that NFC is positively related to idea generation. This finding was not supported in the current study. NFC literature also suggests that NFC will have a positive effect on satisfaction with idea generation, as idea generation is a cognitive activity. Current results do not support this prediction. The current study also predicted that APS, BPS and NFC would indirectly affect idea generation through POS. Current results partially support this prediction as APS had a negative indirect effect on idea generation through POS. Past research suggests that SIG is significantly related to idea generation and that SIG will be greater for the interactive IGT, when compared to its nominal counterpart Current findings only support this latter prediction as idea generators reported being more satisfied with the interactive IGT than with the nominal IGT. Current results indicate that SIG is not related to idea generation. Possible explanations for current results, implications for past research, caveats for application and suggestions for future research are discussed.