1. Assessing creative potential : recruitment and selection in creative SMEs in the UK
- Author
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Malakate, Anna
- Subjects
658.311 ,Recruiting of employees ,Personality tests ,Creative ability in business - Abstract
This thesis tackles the assessment of job candidates‟ creative potential through the processes of recruitment and selection in UK creative SMEs. Literature on individual creativity (Rogers, 1954; Oldham and Cummings, 1996; Sternberg and Lubart, 1996; Sternberg, O‟Hara and Lubart, 1997; West, 1997; Simonton, 2000), has placed importance on the individual characteristics and personality traits that distinguish a creative individual from a non-creative. Lack of knowledge regarding creativity assessment through recruitment and selection in creative SMEs has triggered the author to investigate this area. The author has designed a theoretical framework which comprises three elements, namely personality traits, individual knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) and team KSAs, which, according to the literature review, need to be taken into account when assessing individuals‟ creative potential in creative SMEs. This framework was tested with the use of a mixed methodological approach. Firstly, the qualitative approach involved the performance of 17 interviews with the owners/managers and directors of creative SMEs in Scotland. The quantitative approach involved the design and distribution of a questionnaire to a larger sample of creative companies across the UK, which resulted in 140 answered questionnaires. From the analysis of these data, interesting findings arose which indicated that creative SMEs use a mix of criteria when assessing job candidates‟ creativity. Personality traits, individual and team KSAs were highlighted, as well as the importance of motivation, which influenced selection decisions. Variations on the importance of such criteria were evident when the researcher investigated the different creative sectors and the different positions the respondents held. The most commonly used recruitment and selection practices in creative SMEs were provided. Additionally, differences in the recruitment methods used between creative SMEs who have and have not won creative awards were highlighted. more...
- Published
- 2011