Group creativity: music, theater, collaboration

TLDR

Group creativity is the unique form of creativity that emerges when groups collaborate in real time, with dynamic, moment‑to‑moment communication among members producing results greater than the sum of individual contributions. The book aims to develop and apply a model of creative group processes based on studies of jazz ensembles and improvisational theater, focusing on dynamic, moment‑to‑moment communication. He develops a model of creative group processes from jazz and theater studies, applies it to diverse collaborative settings, and examines performers’ close listening, ego submergence, and joint creation that yields outcomes beyond individual effort. The explorations yield insights applicable to all forms of group creativity and collaboration.

Abstract

Group Creativity explores the unique form of creativity that emerges from collaborating groups. Dr. Sawyer draws on his studies of jazz ensembles and improvisational theater groups to develop a model of creative group processes. He applies this model of group creativity to a wide range of collaborating groups, including group learning in classrooms and innovative teams in organizations. In group creativity, a group comes together to collaboratively create in real time. The creative inspiration emerges from the interaction and communication among the members, and makes the result more than the sum of its parts. The dynamic, moment-to-moment communication among jazz musicians and improvising actors is the primary topic of the book. Sawyer explores performers' close listening and sensitivity, the submerging of the ego to the group mind, and the ways that performers work together to create something better than and different from what one solitary individual could create alone. These explorations provide insight into all forms of group creativity and collaboration.