This book represents the first comprehensive collection dealing with the Adaption-Innovation theory and its measure the K.A.I, of which Michael Kirton was the originator.

Adaption-Innovation is a timely and comprehensive text written for anyone who wants to know more about dealing with problem solving, thinking style, creativity and team dynamics. In an age when teams have become critical to successful problem solving, Adaption-Innovation (A-I) theory is a model in this field, which aims to increase collaboration and reduce conflict within groups. A-I Theory and associated inventory (KAI) have been extensively researched and are increasingly used to assist teambuilding and personnel management. In the context of the management of diversity and change, Dr Kirton outlines the central concepts of the theory, including the processes of problem solving, decision making and creativity as well as explanatory concepts such as the paradox of structure; coping behaviour; the distinction between how teams collaborate on the common task and how teams manage their own diversity. In addition, Dr Kirton focuses on the positive side of managing a wide diversity within teams that has the potential to lead to the highest levels of problem solving, creativity and effective management of change. The book offers practical information for those helping diverse teams succeed in today's demanding climate. In this fresh context, leadership theory is explored, suggesting a new and interesting approach in use of different styles. For those working with diverse, problem solving teams managing complex change, this is a must have book. It will appeal to a broad range of people, from practitioners such as human resource managers, psychologists, business consultants, and group trainers, to academics studying and doing research in disciplines such as psychology, business, management, sociology, education and politics and the practical use of the hard sciences. *This reprint contains some new insights by Dr. Kirton into the theory. A small number of critical key changes have been made: a new diagram showing the difference between decision making and problem solving; some tightening of some sentences to show that leadership style should be treated as roles; the addition of the Glossary of Terms.

This book was created to place side by side the ideas of researchers and practitioners concerned with organizational innovation. Included are 18 papers: (1) "Social Environments That Kill Creativity" (Teresa Amabile); (2) "High Creativity versus Low Creativity: What Makes the Difference?" (Teresa Amabile and Sharon Sensabaugh); (3) "Creativity and Leadership: Causal Convergence and Divergence" (Dean Keith Simonton); (4) "Adaptors and Innovators: Problem-solvers in Organizations" (M. J. Kirton); (5) "Climate for Creativity: What to Measure? What to Say About It?" (Nancy Koester and Robert Burnside); (6) "Innovation through Investment in People: The Consideration of Creative Styles" (Robert Rosenfeld); (7) "Creating Healthy Change" (Perry Buffington); (8) "Facilitating Creative Problem-solving Groups" (Scott Isaksen); (9) "Establishing a Corporate Environment for Stimulating Innovation" (K. Larry Hastie); (10) "Making Organizations Adaptive to Change: Eliminating Bureaucracy at Shenandoah Life" (John Myers); (11) "Structuring for Innovation...And the Bottom Line" (Robert Swiggett); (12) "Leading a Revolution in American Health Care" (Erie Chapman); (13) "Fostering Creativity and Innovation in a New-Product Research Group" (Richard Wright); (14) "Creative Problem Solving" (David Morrison); (15) "Delivering Managed Service" (Ron Zemke); (16) "Growing Up Creative in America" (Elizabeth Larsen); (17) "Visioning: Building Pictures of the Future" (Robert Burnside); and (18) "The Era of Multiple Transformations: Megatrends for Adults" (Michael Marien). (NB)

Adaption-Innovation theory (A-I theory) is a model of problem solving and creativity which aims to increase collaboration and reduce conflict within groups. A-I Theory and the associated Kirton Adaption Innovation Inventory (KAI) have been extensively researched and are increasingly used as tools for teambuilding and personnel management. In Adaption-Innovation: In the Context of Diversity and Change, Dr Kirton outlines the central concepts of the theory, including the processes of problem solving, decision making and creativity. In addition, Dr Kirton focuses on how wide diversity within a team affects problem solving, creativity and effective management of change, as well as offering practical information for those helping diverse teams succeed in today's demanding climate. This timely and comprehensive text is written for anyone who wants to know more about problem solving, thinking style and creativity. As such it will appeal to a broad range of people, from human resource managers, business consultants and group trainers, to students of psychology, business, management, sociology, education and politics.