The mindful manager: exploring habits of mind during creative problem-solving in agricultural businesses

Mpumelelo Longweni and Lerato E. Mdaka
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Mpumelelo Longweni: North-West University, South Africa
Lerato E. Mdaka: North-West University, South Africa

Journal of the Academy of Business and Emerging Markets, 2024, vol. 4, issue 2, 31-42

Abstract: Operating in an increasingly changing business environment presents modern managers with complex problems that require creative solutions. This study delves into applying the 16 Habits of Mind (HoM) as a framework to enhance creative problem-solving competencies among managers. By conducting an exploratory qualitative research study through semi-structured interviews with 21 managers from different functional areas within the agricultural industry in South Africa, we examine the relevance of these habits when solving business problems. Our findings uncover a nuanced prioritization of these habits, with persisting, learning continuously, and listening with understanding and empathy emerging as top-ranked in management sciences. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse on managerial skills and effective problem-solving techniques. It provides practical implications for managers' training and development in this context and other emerging markets. These findings emphasize the necessity of nurturing a diverse range of thinking skills among managers to foster resilience, flexibility, and creativity by innovating in contemporary business.

Keywords: 16 Habits of Mind; Thinking skills; Creative problem-solving; Managerial competencies; Agricultural businesses (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:jabema:021872

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12692688

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