Supporting and Inhibiting Factors of Creativity ...（支持和抑制创造力的因素u2026u2026）.pdfVIP

World Applied Sciences Journal 15 (Innovation and Pedagogy for Lifelong Learning): 56-62, 2011 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2011 Supporting and Inhibiting Factors of Creativity, Innovation and Wisdom among Teachers in a Learning Organization Mohd Izham Mohd Hamzah, Foniza Maidin and Saemah Rahman 1Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia Abstract: Progress involves not only looking to the future, but also learning from the past. The experience, knowledge and skill we develop will help us look backward in order to be innovative and creative and to make wise decisions. The objective of this study is to explore what inhibits teacher creativity and how to maintain teacher creativity and innovation through learning. This is a qualitative multiple-site, multiple-case study conducted in four schools. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 28 teachers, including principals, expert teachers, teachers in middle administrative units, newly appointed teachers and senior teachers, using a semi-structured interview protocol. It was found that generally, teachers displayed a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing and were appreciative of its importance in peer learning. However, it was interesting to note that two main factors discourage learning among teachers. The individuals themselves and internal and external support are three major sources of interference in schools that de-motivate teachers from becoming innovative and creative. This paper argues that the notion of school achievement is the main barrier to creativity and innovation. Maintaining one’s individuality is important and becoming the universal value is an asset. The role