Terence Lee, Lauren O’Mahony and Pia Lebeck, Creativity and Innovation: Everyday Dynamics and Practice (Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023). Pp. xiv + 161. EUR $ 39.99 (Hardback). EUR $ 32.09 (E-book). ISBN: 978-981-19-8879-0 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-981-19-8880-6 (E-book).

The conceptualisation of this book was prompted by the acknowledgement of the significance of the creativity unit within the realm of Australian higher education, particularly within the field of social sciences. This book effectively addresses the existing void by offering a well-balanced synthesis of theoretical and practical perspectives firmly grounded in empirical research. Scholarly discourse has long been engaged in exploring creativity, with early scholars, such as Freire (1970), advocating for a deeper examination of the praxis—the practical application of theories and ideas in real-world contexts. This book equips students and the general public with the requisite knowledge, skills and tools to engage in critical thinking and informed decision-making by amalgamating theoretical foundations with real-world applications and case studies. Its robust theoretical framework, complemented by empirical evidence and illustrations from real-life scenarios, engenders a more profound comprehension and facilitates the effective implementation of intricate concepts that lie at the juncture of creativity and innovation. The authors emphasise that creativity alone is insufficient: innovation is necessary to apply creative ideas to develop and implement effective processes or products. They astutely note that ‘[c]ertain ideas are so complex or ground-breaking that no single individual could possibly bring them to fruition’ (p. 59). This insight underscores the importance of collaboration and the practical application of creative ideas in pursuing innovation.

The book’s accessibility and relevance merit attention, as it elucidates intricate concepts in a manner that is intelligible to a diverse audience. Furthermore, the book incorporates numerous examples derived from the multifarious dimensions of psychological and sociocultural approaches, thus aiding readers in grasping the comprehensive purview of creativity and innovation. The authors disclose that the impetus for this book arose from their experiences instructing a breadth unit on creativity and innovation at the university level. Numerous institutions of higher learning globally mandate courses to augment students’ creative capacities (Cheung et al. 2006; Lee and Portillo 2022; Xu et al. 2005). This book has the potential to function as an instrumental resource for university students in recognising the significance of creativity and innovation, as well as in applying the transferable skills acquired in their subsequent professional and personal endeavours. The book incorporates case studies and real-world examples to illustrate the application and efficacy of creative problem-solving procedures and their phases in practical settings. This is exemplified through the inclusion of a dedicated section called ‘Creative Problem-Solving Case Studies’, in which concise case studies are examined to provide insights into the functioning of creative problem-solving methodologies within real-life contexts.

While the primary target audience of the book may have been university-level students, its value extends to individuals seeking to cultivate evidence-based critical thinking skills to foster innovative outcomes and develop effective problem-solving abilities in the face of future uncertainties and challenges. The book comprises six chapters: 1) Introduction: Creativity, Innovation, and Everyday Dynamics; 2) Understanding the Creative Process; 3) Innovation; 4) Prompts for Creativity; 5) Creative Problem-Solving; and 6) Everyday Dynamics in the Practice of Creativity: A Few Concluding Thoughts. The cohesive integration of principal themes and concepts is evident throughout these chapters.

The book’s introduction is particularly persuasive as it dispels the pervasive misapprehension that only individuals possessing innate ability or exceptional talent can exhibit creativity (p. viii). On the contrary, the authors contend that anyone can tap into their creative potential, a motif that permeates the entire work. Additionally, the introduction furnishes a synopsis of the historical conceptualisations of creativity and innovation, along with their contemporary ramifications. The authors underscore the significance of interpersonal relationships in understanding creativity and routine innovation practice (p. 1). By acknowledging and harnessing the influence of human connections, individuals and enterprises can unveil novel opportunities and attain heightened success in their creative pursuits.

Chapter 2 of the book proffers invaluable perspectives on the processes that can engender creativity. The authors emphasise the pivotal roles of mindset, motivation and environment in fostering creative thinking and equip readers with pragmatic strategies to nurture creativity. The chapter delves into the association between innovation, prosperity and social well-being. By illustrating how quotidian dynamics can inspire inventive practices, such as in the context of effective COVID-19 responses, the authors afford valuable insights into the importance of remaining amenable to change and adapting to novel circumstances. Furthermore, the authors address potential impediments to creativity and innovation, affording readers a nuanced comprehension of emerging challenges. The chapter ultimately culminates in presenting practical and actionable methods to cultivate creativity and innovation, thus providing invaluable guidance for individuals and organisations endeavouring to augment their innovative potential.

Chapter 4 of the book furnishes readers with valuable insights into pragmatic strategies for facilitating, enhancing and encouraging both convergent and divergent thinking using prompts. The authors introduce an array of prompts, such as asking questions, analogy, assumption surfacing and provocation, attribute listing, brainstorming, the six thinking hats, forced connections, lateral thinking, mind mapping, PMI (plus, minus and interesting), reversal and SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, Rearrange) (p. 85). By offering readers these valuable instruments, the authors proffer pragmatic guidance on the unleashing of creative potential.

Subsequently, the next chapter expands upon these insights by addressing potential barriers to creativity and innovation and by suggesting strategies for circumventing these challenges. The authors underscore the importance of constructing team environments and attributes conducive to creativity and of creating opportunities for innovation. The authors offer valuable insights into the potential for successful outcomes through teamwork and cooperation by illustrating how individuals can effectively collaborate to overcome creative challenges.

One limitation of the book lies in its capacity to cater to readers seeking a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter, as it primarily provides a broad overview of the field. Consequently, readers desiring more extensive and advanced information may find their needs unmet. Nonetheless, the book effectively equips readers with the knowledge and skills to apply the presented concepts proficiently.

Creativity and Innovation: Everyday Dynamics and Practise gives a thorough and approachable compendium for developing creativity and innovation in everyday life. Thus, this book is an indispensable resource for individuals interested in delving into the intricate nature of creativity and innovation. Through its thorough exploration of theoretical foundations and practical applications, the book will captivate the attention of researchers, practitioners and anyone seeking to augment their creative aptitude and make meaningful contributions by generating innovative solutions within their own domains.