Document Type
Dissertation
Rights
Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence
Disciplines
Arts
Abstract
This enquiry is concerned with exploring creativity within Irish architectural practices with overseas offices. Specifically, the thesis seeks to determine how strategic choices in relation to structure can deliver competitive advantage through increased organisational creativity. In gathering data and reviewing the findings from the research, the study ultimately seeks to develop recommendations for best practice guidelines for optimal organisational structure for Irish architectural practices which supports creativity. In doing so it seeks to solve a real world problem, significantly contributing to professional practice in the area. The current status of the sector in Ireland is presented in order to outline the context in which Irish architectural practices are operating. The relevance and value of structure and strategy within an organisation is explored. The strategic choices companies make in order to secure competitive advantage and how they align their organisational creativity to best deliver new products or services is examined. This is achieved drawing on best practice and current theories explored in the literature. The research approach taken to this study is outlined in order to verify its credibility, ensure the reliability of the approach, transparency of methods, and minimise bias. Validation of the chosen method of interview is made given the nature of the knowledge being sought. The interview process is broken down into several stages. The key points of the primary data are presented. The meaning of the primary data is uncovered by interpreting the interview transcripts and together with the literature. Assertions about what phenomenon can be presented are outlined in the conclusions which can be drawn and recommendations made for best practice guidelines. The guidelines presented offer benefits to commercially driven architectural practices in supporting creativity within their organisations for competitive advantage. The recommendations outlined in the study can assist architectural practices driven by innovation and creativity by outlining the benefits of taking a more strategic approach organisational structure without impeding creativity. Potential avenues for further research are also outlined.
Recommended Citation
Rooney, A.: Creativity and Structure in Irish Architectural Practices: an Exploration of the Symbiotic Relationship between Structure and Creativity in Irish Architectural Practices with International Offices. Dissertation. Dublin, Dublin Institute of Technolgy, 2009
Publication Details
Successfully submitted in partial fufilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Professional Design Practice to the Technological University Dublin, 2009.