Chapter 5 - Collaborative Problem Solving

Summary

Innovation depends not only on group decisions but on collaborative problem solving that implements those decisions. Collaborative problem solving requires both cognitive skills and social skills that include identifying the knowledge of other team members, establishing shared understanding, coordinating behavior, and pursuing common goals. The 2015 international test of educational progress (PISA) found that only 8% of the evaluated students excelled at these skills. Teams functioning effectively require members to have access to relevant information and then communicate, elaborate, and integrate that information to discover and defend the best solution. As teams progress through the idea generation and implementation phases, leaders must be flexible in managing this transition. Leaders differ in their style of management and different conditions require charismatic, ideological, or pragmatic leadership. Attributes of creative leadership include intelligence, creativity, and the wisdom to use these attributes for the greater good.