It seems wholly intuitive, but nonetheless, a study from a few years ago highlighted the crucial role curiosity plays in our ability to learn things.  It should perhaps come as no surprise therefore that a similar logic applies to corporate creativity.

So it’s interesting to see this logic put to the test by a recent study from the Germany technology giant Merck.  The research set out to explore employee curiosity along four dimensions (inquisitiveness, creativity, openness, and distress tolerance) to test whether there are any international differences in curiosity levels at work.

The importance of curiosity

The analysis provided some interesting findings.  For instance, whilst most employees appreciated the importance of curiosity for innovation, few regarded themselves as particularly curious people.

“Innovation and technological progress do not appear out of the blue. They always develop out of a person’s sense of curiosity about something new. Scientific curiosity and the joy of discovery are thus our most important resources when it comes to finding answers to global challenges such as the ageing of our society or population growth,” the researchers say. “That’s why curiosity should be a key aspect of our everyday work.”

Of course, as the authors point out, not thinking of ourselves as curious at work doesn’t mean that we’re not.  Instead, it might simply be a case of having little opportunity to showcase and exercise our curiosity.  Indeed, 73% of respondents felt uneasy about something as seemingly simple as asking questions at work, with a good number feeling as though they are discouraged from rocking the boat.

The Curiosity Initiative was Merck’s attempt to try and shift this attitude.  The project, which was launched in August this year, aims to promote curiosity at work.  They provide an online test to help you measure your own curiosity levels, as well as various hints and tips for bolstering your curiosity at work.

With curiosity being so fundamentally important to the innovation process, it’s a worthwhile effort indeed.  Time will tell how effective they prove to be.