JOURNAL OF HIGHER EDUCATION THEORY AND PRACTICE

International Variations in Divergent Creativity and the

Impact on Teaching Entrepreneurship

Author(s): Jacqueline J. Schmidt, Tina Facca, John C. Soper

Citation: Jacqueline J. Schmidt, Tina Facca, John C. Soper, (2013) "International Variations in Divergent Creativity and the Impact on Teaching Entrepreneurship," Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol.13, Iss. 2, pp. 101 - 109

Article Type: Research paper

Publisher: North American Business Press

Abstract:

This study addresses cultural approaches to divergent creativity. Students from the United States, Ireland,

Sweden, France, Nigeria, Croatia, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Honduras, and China were given a divergent

thinking creativity exercise and a creativity survey. Results were compared as to number of ideas

generated (fluency), range of ideas given (flexibility), use of creative approaches, comfort level with the

divergent thinking exercise and self-perception of creativity. Results were compared using the

individualistic/collectivistic orientation. Significant differences were found between individualistic and

collectivistic cultures in regard to fluency, flexibility, and comfort level, but not in perceived creativity.

Implications for the classroom are discussed.