The impact of strategic intelligence on enhancing creative performance

Abstract

This study aims to explore the nature of the relationship between strategic intelligence and creative performance in an academic context, through a field study conducted at the College of Administration and Economics, University of Wasit. The research problem stems from a central question: How can strategic intelligence, in its various forms, contribute to stimulating and developing creative performance among employees in educational institutions?

The research adopted a model comprising an independent variable, strategic intelligence with its four dimensions (foresight, systematic thinking, information gathering and analysis, and strategic decision-making), and a dependent variable, creative performance with its four dimensions (originality, flexibility, fluency, and elaboration). Main and sub-hypotheses were formulated to test the relationships of influence between these variables.

The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, and data were collected using a questionnaire designed according to a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 50 employees from various job levels within the college. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, employing various statistical methods including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis.

The results of the statistical analysis revealed a significant positive impact of strategic intelligence on enhancing creative performance. The coefficients of determination (R²) showed that the four dimensions of strategic intelligence collectively explain 97%–98% of the variance in creative performance levels. The results also revealed a variation in the strength of the impact of the dimensions, with "strategic decision-making" and "foresight" being the most influential, followed by "systematic thinking" and "information gathering and analysis."

In light of these findings, the study concluded that strategic intelligence is a fundamental pillar for building outstanding creative performance in academic institutions, and that investing in developing the strategic thinking and foresight capabilities of leaders and staff positively impacts the quality of creative output. The research concluded with a set of practical recommendations aimed at fostering a culture of strategic intelligence, developing mechanisms for information gathering and analysis, and creating an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.