Many people fall into lockstep behind an organizational rebel contending that rules stifle creativity. They believe that organization of any kind smothers the creative spark and makes spontaneity impossible. According to Mike Vance and Diane Deacon, co-authors of Think Out of the Box, procedures and policies are actually important to open up space so that people can create. According to Deacon and Vance, it's the uncontrolled environment that undermines creativity. When there is no structure, people have to figure out for themselves what they're supposed to be doing. If someone comes up with a radical idea or solution in a disorganized or chaotic environment, it's often a result of luck. Creativity will flourish in an organized environment.
SOURCE: Think Out of the Box by Diane Deacon and Mike Vance (Career Press, 1995)