Creativity among ICT professionals and students in Thailand

Abstract

Creativity and innovation related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) leads to improved competitiveness among individuals, organizations, and nations. In the context of the cultural profile of the developing nation of Thailand, this exploratory study examines the practical problem of improving creativity among ICT professionals and students. The study compares the importance of creativity perceived by ICT lecturers and managers and the extent to which ICT students and officers believe that they display creativity. The purpose is to align perceptions about creativity among these groups in order to promote creativity in ICT. Creativity is characterized by traits derived from studies in neuroscience and this study contributes to the validation of this relatively new approach. Data is collected by questionnaire from: 182 students distributed across the 4 years of ICT bachelor degree programs in three universities in Bangkok and 126 lecturers in these programs; 190 ICT managers and 210 ICT officers from 60 organizations in Bangkok. The findings identify: differences (gaps) among the groups' perceptions of creativity; and possible influences due to cultural characteristics of Thai society. The number of gaps is greatest between lecturers and managers followed by lecturers and students and managers and officers. The gaps are noticeable between males and females but less evident in relation to levels of education and ICT experience. The findings provide practical insights relevant to ICT academics, educators, practicing ICT professionals, and those concerned with the relationships among creativity, innovation, and competitiveness at organizational or national levels, especially in developing nations.