Releasing creative ideas to meet today's business challenges

The results of a research study at a major telecommunications corporation are discussed. It is concluded that for a business to remain competitive with quality goods and services and with the possibility of fewer employees and less technical expertise, its environment must cultivate and harvest the creative ideas of all employees. This objective is possible if the following criteria are met: supervisors listening to their employees; training that employees really need; an entrepreneurial environment; and participatory management. Results from the survey indicated that supervisors and their employees are ready to meet increased competition with greater emphasis on quality. They also saw training needs and agreed that a participatory management environment will provide an opportunity for capturing the creative ideas of all employees and encouraging entrepreneurship.<>