Creativity and innovation among employees in the banking sector

Creativity and innovation are fundamental drivers of performance in organizations operating in dynamic environments, such as the banking sector. Faced with restructuring and rapid market evolution, banks must foster adaptive behaviors and generate novel solutions. This study examines the creativity levels among employees of a banking institution in transition, focusing on the influence of personality traits, communication styles, and innovation strategies. Using a sample of employees working within an Agile-based task force, the research applied the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, a communication styles self-assessment, Guilford and Zimmerman's personality inventory, and Miller's innovation styles questionnaire. Findings reveal a strong correlation between flexible communication and divergent thinking capacity. Individuals characterized by openness to experience and high self-awareness demonstrated a greater propensity for creative problem-solving. Furthermore, professional tenure appeared to moderate the expression of innovative behaviors. Based on these insights, the study outlines strategic recommendations for cultivating innovation in banking institutions: fostering a psychologically safe climate, encouraging idea sharing, streamlining decision-making processes, and implementing structured innovation frameworks.