The most creative organization in the world? The BBC, 'creativity' and managerial style

Schlesinger, P. (2010) The most creative organization in the world? The BBC, 'creativity' and managerial style. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 16(3), pp. 271-285. (doi: 10.1080/10286630903302766)

Abstract

The managerial styles of two BBC directors-general, John Birt and Greg Dyke, have often been contrasted but not so far analysed from the perspective of their different views of 'creative management'. This article first addresses the orthodox reading of 'Birtism'; second, it locates Dyke's 'creative' turn in the wider context of fashionable neo-management theory and UK government creative industries policy; third, it details Dyke's drive to change the BBC's culture; and finally, it concludes with some reflections on the uncertainties inherent in managing a creative organisation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: AHRC-funded research grant: 'Creativity: policy and practice. A study of the UK Government, the BBC and the UK Film Council'.
• Keywords: BBC, culture change, creativity, leadership, management style, UK government policy
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schlesinger, Professor Philip
• Authors: Schlesinger, P.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain; H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management; P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1990 Broadcasting
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: International Journal of Cultural Policy
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 1028-6632
• ISSN (Online): 1477-2833
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 Taylor and Francis
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Cultural Policy 16(3):271-285
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
44724	1	Creativity - policy and practice. A study of government, the BBC and UK Film Council	Philip Schlesinger	Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)	AHRC	CCA - THEATRE FILM AND TV STUDIES