Abstract:

Global change, unstable and rapidly changing international and national security environment and the problems that causes, force public sector organizations, including the military, to take creative and innovative solutions (Giedraityte, 2020). Therefore, such intellectual skills, as, creative thinking, critical thinking and innovative problem solving, also competencies to implement innovation and to create an innovation-friendly environment are necessary for the modern and future military officer leader.

Creative problem solving (CPS) is named as one of the most appropriate approaches enhancing abilities that involves encountering gaps, opportunities and challenges, generating and examining varied possibilities, choosing on certain options and confronting complex problems in an uncertain and dynamic world. CPS also can help to develop some personal characteristics that increase motivation to adapt change, to make and implement innovative decisions, to operate flexibly, to assess and manage risk factors and ect. (Treffinger et al., 2006; Khalid, 2020).

Creative problem solving approach increasingly applicable in the training of cadets (future military officers), improving the qualifications of military officers and in the practice of military decision making. For example, creativity occupies a significant place in cadet training programs in The United States Military Academy (Operational Concept, West Point, n.d.) or in preparedness SOF professionals in The Joint Special Operations University (JSOU, 2021).

In the study programs of the Military Academy of Lithuania (MAL), the creative problem-solving approach was introduced more intensively a few years ago, therefore the purpose of this article is using document analysis and interview data to discuss the advantages, peculiarities, positive and negative experience of applying CPS in forming cadets' intellectual skills and innovation management competencies.

Keywords:

Creative problem solving, military officer competencies, intellectual skills, innovation management.