The Creative Corporation: Spontaneous Order in the Enterprise
Thomas N. Duening, PhD

Abstract
This paper is written in response to increasing calls around the world for large enterprises to become more creative in their core business operations. However, most of the research into enterprise creativity is based on the assumption that creativity (or „innovation‟) can be managed like any other function. This paper builds on the work of F.A. Hayek to argue instead that creativity is not an operational function, but rather an aspirational outcome. To enhance overall enterprise creativity managers need to create internal environments that enable what Hayek refers to as „spontaneous order‟ to arise. The greatest engine of creativity ever devised by humans, Western capitalist economic structure, is Hayek‟s prime example of how outcomes are often the result of human action, but not necessarily of human design. The article concludes with action steps managers can take to enhance their enterprise creativity.

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