Creative Misfits – how motivation factors for Pro-Creative artists can inform HRM research

This paper presents the case for future research into the motivation of individuals withoccupations in the traditional and cultural sectors of the creative industries. Dynamic,knowledge-based organizations depend on creative ideas from employees (George, 2007) andthis is reflected in the recent surge of research within creativity and creative motivation, yetdespite this wealth of information Shalley et al (2004) suggest that organizational researchrequires new perspectives and further investigation. The issue is addressed here byrecommending a new perspective into motivation: the study of Visual Artists andCraftspeople (Pro-C artists) using Bakkers (2005) adaptation of Csikszentmihalyis’ Flowtheory. It is suggested that research into this creative type could provide a potentially richinsight into motivational drives and working practices that could further inform humanresearch management practice and provide a better basis from which to understand theconcept of workplace creativity