An investigation into the relationship between divergent thinking and measures of competence

Higgs, M.J. and Dulewicz, S.V. (1997) An investigation into the relationship between divergent thinking and measures of competence (Henley Working Paper Series, HWP 9709) Henley, UK. Henley Management College

Abstract

As a means of operationalising the divergent thinking construct a test developed by Fletcher and Dulewicz, the Productive Thinking Test (PTT), was used. This test employs a methodology similar to that reported by Guildford (1959) in that it requires respondents to record a number of responses (relating to implications) to two situations. The test is subjectively scored using two independent assessors and produces scales for ideational flow (number of ideas) and ideational flexibility (range of distinctly different ideas). It was administered to a sample of 120 managers drawn from three organisations. Their scores were correlated with data on their Critical Thinking Ability (Watson Glaser), their 16PF personality factors, their Belbin Team Roles and their Personal Competencies, based on 12 Supra-Competencies (Dulewicz, 1994).
In terms of the main debate around the relationship between convergent and divergent thinking, this study does indicate that they are independent constructs. More specifically, there appears evidence that the PTT operationalises, to an extent, the construct of divergent thinking. The study does however raise a number of further questions concerning the relationship between PTT and work/competence performance. This may be due to the inherent difficulty of examining divergent thinking and creativity.

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Contributors

Author: M.J. Higgs

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