Peak creative performance

Abstract

Terms such as peak performance, creativity, genius, intelligence and eminence have, for more than one hundred years, been used to describe people who change the world. The literature which exists today is fragmented; difficulties exist regarding the definition of the concepts which are used and the ways in which these concepts relate to each other. Furthermore, at a time when performance and creativity are becoming increasingly important, there is no adequate explanation of how high levels of performance and creativity are achieved. Much of the existing literature explains performance and creativity in terms of isolated variables, such as general intelligence. Several recent studies have, however, made important advances by using a systems approach to examine topics such as creativity and prodigiousness. Notwithstanding the advances made by these studies, they are preliminary studies (i.e. in terms of their scope, and the theoretical frameworks and the methodologies which are used) which are relatively few in number. Research is needed which clearly defines the concepts being used, synthesises the existing literature and then utilises an established theoretical framework and methodology to identify the ways in which various biological, psychological, social and contextual influences interact to produce Peak Creative Performance (PCP). The primary aim of this study is, therefore, to identify the pattern(s) which produce PCP. In achieving this aim, the present study sheds light on several supplementary matters including the definition of PCP, the role of innate ability, the importance of learned expertise, behavioural preference and personality, motivation level and type, the organisational form which is most conducive to PCP, the role of contextual influences and the ways in which each of these variables interact to produce PCP. The present study builds upon systems research into creativity and prodigiousness, consensual methods for defining creativity, and the theoretical framework and methodology employed by 'Open Systems Theory' (OST). Qualitative case studies are used in conjunction with quantitative causal path analysis to examine interview data from six participants who are regarded as unambiguous cases of PCP (referred to as 'Performers'), and twenty four individuals who act as advisors to 'Performers' (referred to as 'Observers'). It is argued that the Peak Creative Performer is an individual who is able to introduce novel methods, and convince experts within their field that such methods transcend existing limitations. The study finds that the highest levels of human achievement (PCP) require expert performance as well as creativity. Moreover, PCP is found to occur when twelve variables come together in a particular pattern during the course of the Peak Creative Performer's lifetime.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English