Do rules limit the scope for creativity?

Rules are a set of instructions that must be followed to maintain the harmony and decorum of any task, instance, setup or life in general. Carefully thought out rules are meant to avoid mistakes and/or omissions that others through experience and observations have come up with. 

Creativity on the other hand gives a free-rein to the person. It gives complete liberty to the person letting him/her sink in the ocean of innovation and bring something out of the box. Both concepts seem to be an antithesis of each other and it is often assumed that Creativity is restricted or even curbed due to the presence of Rules. 

A rather crucial topic for debate, it might appear as a group discussion topic during your admission or placement interviews. But before we let you choose a side and speak in favour of it or otherwise, let us critically analyse how much the statement “rules limit the scope for creativity” actually makes sense. 

Pros

Before we talk about the numerous benefits of letting creativity flow, let us see how rules do not really limit the scope for creativity. 

1. They keep people disciplined

Rules help in keeping a person disciplined. Rules are meant to transform the nature and personality of a lethargic person into that of a responsible and disciplined person. They help in training a person to be a civilised, sophisticated and disciplined human being.

2. Rules help in avoiding deviation 

Rules help achieve predetermined targets. In the absence of rules, there will be complete freedom at the discretion of the individual. It could lead to unnecessarily huge deviations acting as a deterrent to the success of a person. 

3. They make people reliable 

A person who works under a set of rules and regulations of the organisation is considered to be much more reliable than the person who breaks them. Rules help differentiate people and make them trust-worthy and dependable. 

4. Sometimes creativity might be harmful 

Creativity is good but only within the set rules of the place/organisation. It might happen that in the enthusiasm of being the most creative person, one might deviate from their actual objective. 

5. They help in minimising risk 

Rules are made purposefully to mitigate the risk of future discrepancies and controversies. They are the broad contours of any organisation that help in reducing the unnecessary risk of deviation from the standard. 

Cons 

Now that we have heard one side of the story, it is time to look at the other side, how rules actually limit the scope for creativity. 

1. Creativity is curbed by rules 

Creativity needs initiative and a trigger. But with stringent restrictions to comply with the norms of the organisation, it becomes extremely difficult to bring out something inquisitive and out of the box.

2. Restrict them to work in the same orthodox monotonous manner

Dalai Lama said, “Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively.” Rules are essential but they need to be modified timely to keep up with the pace of the changes happening around you. In such a dynamic world, it is essential to transform and mend rules as per the need of the hour.

3. Brings rigidity by making people inefficient and reluctant to innovate 

Blindly following rules can make people obstinate and rigid. One needs to change the norms and update them accordingly to have the essential scope for creativity and uniqueness.

4. Act as a deterrent to change and growth 

Heraclitus said, "The only constant in life is change". To bring something out of the box, one needs to step out of the old norms in order to explore and innovate. Rules can act as a barrier, stymying one from transformation and growth. 

Concluding remarks

Pablo Picasso said and believed in the famous quote, “Learn the rules like a pro so that you can break them like an artist.” Rules are undoubtedly and arguably essential to maintain the equilibrium of life or any organisation but they must also be flexible enough to accept the upcoming changes and have scope for creativity and transformation as per the need of the hour. What are your thoughts on the topic? Let us know in the comments below!