Exploring the Relation Between Creativity and Rules: The Case of the Performing Arts

This research uses a cultural–historical psychology perspective and examples from performing arts to elucidate the relation between creativity and rules. The research assumes that the concepts of creativity and rules are inherently linked in the concept of activity. The relation between rules and creativity, which is neither antagonistic nor sequential but rather dialectical, is identified to be crucial for organizations. Rules are not only regarded as constraints and invariants for activity, but also as sources of creativity. They are, therefore, vectors for creativity. A set of informal rules, called genre, plays an important role in the articulation of the individual’s creativity within collective activity. An effective management of rules and creativity should not stop at the formulation of formal rules but should include their genesis.