Research

Working papers

Reaping the Whirlwind: Managing Creative People (1994)

Manfred Kets de Vries

"Transform creative, unorthodox methods into constructiive action'

This working paper addresses the challenge that lies in transforming creative but unorthodox methods into constructive organisational action. Creative people are often considered to be troublemakers, but in fact they can be a source of innovative products or processes for their organization. The paper begins with a discussion of what creativity really is, looking at both the populist notion and the idea of genius. Subsequently, some of the early development elements that contribute to an individual creativity are explored. Creativity takes one of two possible forms as a result of these developmental experiences: constructive or reactive. Examples of well-known artists, writers and composers are given to illustrate these forms of creativity.  Concrete suggestions are given for managing creative people in the context of organisational, cultural and leadership variables.

INSEAD Working Paper, 1994

Read more

Add Comment

Go back

Related content

"Differences between Russian and Western leadership practices"

East and West: A dialogue about Leadership with Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries

In this article, a dialogue between East and West seeks to highlight and pinpoint some of the similarities and differences between leadership practices in Russia and Western countries.

Published on 17 Nov, 2004

"Leadership in hybrid firms in India"

Leadership in Indian Organizations: A Comparative Study

This study identifies some of the ways in which the top leadership of hybrid Indian business organisations differs from that of Western business organisations.

Published on 17 Nov, 2002

"Executive coaches as modern day shamans"

The Shaman, the Therapist, and the Coach

This working paper discusses various similarities and differences between the healing practices of shamans and the work of therapists and executive coaches.

Published on 30 Sep, 2014

"Attachment theory applied in an org context"

The Attachment Imperative: The Kiss of the Hedgehog

This working paper explores the evolution and function of attachment in the context of adult relationships.

Published on 18 Apr, 2013

"Leadership by terror: Saddam Hussein"

Entering the Inner Theatre of a Despot: The Rise and Fall of Saddam Hussein

This working paper investigates leadership by terror, a form of leadership that is both an ageless phenomenon and a contemporary problem.

Published on 1 Apr, 2003

"How to become a great place to work"

Organizational Culture, Leadership, Change, and Stress

This paper discusses the internal and external pressures that may trigger organisational changes and explores the four stages of the organisational change process.

Published on 6 Feb, 2009

"Russian national character, leadership & practices"

A Journey into the Wild East: Leadership Style and Organizational Practices in Russia

This article explores the Russian national character, leadership style, and its organisational practices.

Published on 2 Apr, 2000

"What are the challenges of European leaders?"

The Future of European Business Leadership

This article explores the challenges of European leaders.

Published on 17 Mar, 2006

"Why do women still fail to secure top positions in the workplace?"

People-friendly Organizations: Why we Need an Alternative Default Model

This paper deals with the issue of whether the kinds of organisational structures and practices that attract women might also benefit men, and ask whether the male-oriented default position of organisational design has had its day.

Published on 3 Nov, 2010

"What do executives want out of life?"

The Many Colors of Success: What do Executives want out of Life?

This article is based on the responses of 160 senior executives to questions of what success means to them.

Published on 9 Jan, 2009