Who is known as the 'Father of Brainstorming'?

Correct option is A

Alex F. Osborn, an American advertising executive, is widely regarded as the "Father of Brainstorming." He introduced the concept in his book "Applied Imagination" (1953), where he outlined a systematic approach to generating creative ideas.

Osborn developed brainstorming as a group creativity technique to solve problems by generating a large number of ideas in a free-flowing and non-judgmental environment. The key principles of brainstorming, as defined by Osborn, include:

1. Deferred Judgment – No criticism of ideas during the session.

2. Quantity over Quality – The more ideas generated, the better.

3. Encouraging Wild Ideas – Unconventional ideas can lead to innovative solutions.

4. Building on Others' Ideas – Participants should expand upon each other’s suggestions.

Brainstorming has since become a widely used technique in various fields, including business, education, and innovation. Osborn’s method laid the foundation for modern creativity and problem-solving strategies, making him an essential figure in the study of creative thinking.

Information Booster:

• Alex F. Osborn co-founded the Creative Education Foundation (CEF), which promotes creative problem-solving.

• His brainstorming technique is commonly used in business strategy sessions, product development, and marketing.

• The Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem Solving Process (CPS), developed from his work, is still widely applied.

• Osborn’s approach has influenced design thinking, innovation workshops, and corporate training programs.

• Brainstorming is now used alongside digital tools like mind-mapping software and AI-assisted idea generation.

Additional Knowledge:

1. Frank Gilbreth (Option 2):

   • Known for his work in scientific management and motion study.

   • Along with his wife, Lillian Gilbreth, he pioneered techniques to improve worker efficiency by analyzing physical movements.

   • He is famous for the Time and Motion Studies, which optimized industrial productivity.

2. Elton Mayo (Option 3):

   • A psychologist and sociologist best known for the Hawthorne Studies, which led to the Human Relations Theory.

   • His research showed that social factors and worker satisfaction significantly influence productivity.

   • Mayo’s work emphasized employee motivation, workplace culture, and team dynamics rather than creative problem-solving.

3. Peter Drucker (Option 4):

   • Considered the "Father of Modern Management."

   • Introduced concepts like Management by Objectives (MBO), decentralization, and knowledge work.

   • His work focused on organizational management, leadership, and economic analysis, not creativity techniques like brainstorming.​