The course explores language and communication in creativity at work, addressing the following questions:

• What role does communication play in creativity?
• What is the relationship between linguistic creativity and workplace creativity?
• What makes groups creative and what role does communication play in group creativity?
• How can creativity in organisations be fostered?

The course approaches the topic of creativity from two perspectives: creativity in communication and creativity in organisations, and proposes a model that combines both perspectives. Using this model, students will explore communication and creativity at work through a range of case studies covering the following topic areas:

• Creativity and problem-solving
• Creativity, innovation and constraints
• Creativity and leadership
• Creativity and professional practice
• “Problematic” creativity

Case studies will include a range of different workplaces and organisational settings, such as corporate settings, start-ups and the service sector, for example care homes for the elderly. These case studies show that creativity is different in each community of practice and that a range of factors and constraints can promote or hinder or creativity.

While creativity is generally seen as positive, it can also be problematic, as it always involves some kind of change, which may not always be beneficial for everyone it affects. The course will also address this “darker” aspect of creativity.

Finally, the course will also look at practical applications and consider how organisations can boost creativity and manage it effectively.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to

1) understand the ways in which language and communication can contribute to creativity in organisations, particularly in relation to problem-solving and professional practice.

2) describe and critically discuss, with reference to relevant theories and academic literature, organisational and linguistic creativity in different organisational and professional settings, particularly the role played by constraints, leadership and ‘problematic creativity’,

3) successfully apply a range of methods to critically analyse communication and creativity in organisations.

Attendance is a requirement to pass the course. In exceptional cases, you may miss one (1) session.

The sessions will consist of a combination of lecture-style input combined with class discussion, group work and group presentation.

Group project presented orally (40%)

Written Analysis Task (40%)

Participation points: weekly exercises (20%)

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