Group creativity : innovation through collaboration /

Psychologists Paulus (Univ. of Texas, Arlington) and Nijstad (Univ. of Amsterdam) have assembled 15 papers (10 with footnotes) written by 26 contributors in psychology (social, cognitive, and organization) and information systems. The research on group creativity has lagged behind other research topics because early experiments demonstrated the superiority of individuals over groups in the area of creative output. In addition, participants experience groups to be more productive despite evidence to the contrary. The contributors take the position that an evaluation of this sort requires the clear delineation of factors that either stimulate or interfere with creative productivity, and they provide a detailed presentation of these factors. The discussion is in two parts--process (group composition and activities) and context (the influence of other groups)--and four themes are identified: the effect of group diversity, obstacles to the realization of creative potential, group climate, and group environment. The editors write that the book "is not designed to be the last word on group creativity. In fact, it might be considered the first word, as it is the first volume to be published on this topic." As such it is a stimulating and thoroughly researched benchmark publication for those interested in group creativity. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. D. Sydiaha emeritus, University of Saskatchewan