Creativity and Innovative Performance in the Healthcare Sector: Evidence From Tertiary Health Institutions in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Innovation has become a critical driver of performance and sustainability in healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in developing economies
where health institutions face structural and operational constraints. This paper explores the relationship between creativity and innovative performance within tertiary healthcare institutions in North Central Nigeria. Drawing on existing literature and theoretical perspectives, the study argues that creativity constitutes a fundamental component of innovation and serves as a catalyst for improved organisational performance in healthcare delivery. The paper adopts a conceptual and theoretical approach to examine how creativity fosters innovation outcomes in healthcare institutions characterised by resource limitations, infrastructure challenges and increasing service demand. Anchored on dynamic capability theory, the study highlights
how creative leadership practices enable healthcare organisations to sense opportunities, mobilise resources and transform internal structures to adapt to changing healthcare environments. The paper contributes to the growing discourse on leadershipdriven innovation in healthcare by emphasising the importance of creativity as a strategic capability forenhancing innovative performance in tertiary health institutions. The findings suggest that strengthening creativity-driven leadership practices can significantly improve innovation outcomes, service quality and organisational resilience in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.