Focus group feedback

As the last step in the evaluation process, all participants were invited to attend focus group sessions. During these sessions, the participants were asked a predetermined set of questions and allowed to discuss these among themselves. The following section presents a summary of the feedback for each of the questions that were posed to the participants.

4.3.2.1. Question 1: What was your feeling about the course before you attended it?

Several respondents indicated that they were sceptical about the course and were questioning why they must attend, especially in light of high work volumes. The nature of the topic also led a few participants to question the way in which such a topic would be addressed, and if it would be even possible to tap into creativity.

4.3.2.2. Question 2: What is your feeling about the course now that you have attended it?

The general theme was that participants enjoyed the training; that it enabled them to think differently about the way in which they approach their own work; that it encouraged them to explore their own creativity, and that it increased their awareness of opportunities for innovation. In addition, they reported that they now see the value in involving their direct subordinates in problem-solving and idea generation, instead of trying to generate ideas by themselves. It is acknowledged that the use of the selected reaction criteria is inherently subjective, and that respondents’ favourable reactions may simply be because they enjoyed the programme or the instruction.

4.3.2.3. Question 3: Do you feel that you will be able to apply the course content in your work situation? Please motivate your answer.

Most felt that they will be able to apply what they have learnt, especially the ways in which they can involve their team members in generating ideas to solve challenges more creatively. Generally, participants were of the opinion that implementation would be the most difficult to achieve successfully, given demanding work schedules.

4.3.2.4. Question 4: In your view, how effective was the course format?

There were different opinions regarding the effectiveness of the course format. The course was presented in weekly two-hour sessions, over the course of several weeks. Those who

enjoyed this format stated that it enabled them to still ensure that their work could continue as normal and that it enabled learning through periods of reflection between sessions. Those who would have preferred to attend a two-day workshop, where all content is delivered in two full days, stated that it would have been better due to enhanced focus instead of divided attention. Participant’s preferences here seemed to be related to the type of position they held within the company, for example the IT and HR Managers versus the Call Centre Supervisors. The former are more involved in longer term projects and tasks and would therefore have preferred a two-day workshop. The latter have a very operational day-to-day target focus, and therefore prefer the shorter sessions to allow them sufficient time to ensure that stringent daily targets are still met.

4.3.2.5. Question 5: Which part of the course content requires more time to be spent on it? Please elaborate.

The consensus among participants related to the inclusion of more practical and physical activity during the sessions. This included more time to collaborate in groups, opportunity to move around, and more exercises to practice techniques or apply theory.

4.3.2.6. Question 6: Are there any topics which you think should be included in the training material going forward? Please elaborate.

The focus of the training was a lot on innovation in participants’ immediate roles and teams. One participant felt that the different levels at which innovation could happen (individual, team, organisational) should be expanded. Other than this contribution, the remainder of the participants felt that the content was sufficient.

4.3.2.7. Question 7: Are there any topics which you think should be excluded from the training material going forward? Please elaborate.

Participants did not provide any content-related responses to this question and felt that everything that is included in the training material is relevant.

4.3.2.8. Question 8: A colleague asks you to describe the course to him/her. What do you say?

Responses to this question varied, although the majority described that the course teaches you how to be innovative in a systematic way and helps you to think of different ways in which to improve your work that would ultimately benefit the company. Some also stated that it

challenges your misconceptions about innovation, in that everyone can be creative and that it is beneficial to tap into your team’s creative potential.

4.3.2.9. Question 9: Which part of the training did you find most interesting, and which part did you find least interesting and why? Please motivate. Most of the participants enjoyed the practical exercises during which they had an opportunity to test out their own creative thinking. A number of participants also commented on the introduction of new concepts and theories which they were not aware of, such as biomimicry.

4.3.2.10. Question 10: Did you read the supplementary materials and participate in the practical assignment?

Only a few participants read the supplementary materials that were distributed between sessions. The stated reason for this is lack of time during work hours, and a culture of “not taking work home”. Quite a few also felt that the management team is not supportive of learning and development. The researcher believes this is reflective of the participants’ orientation to learning – in that they fail to see the potential benefit to themselves personally and instead believe that this is purely to the benefit of the company.