I think everyone will agree that creativity is an important positive aspect of human behavior.  A recent article in the Huffington Post discusses the importance of creativity and states that it is as much a basic need as food, water and sleep.  I couldn't agree more.  I also agree that, despite suggestion boxes and similar idea sharing programs, most big corporations do not promote creativity, they stifle it.  The reason, I think, is usually because those ideas and suggestions are being reviewed by people who have had years of experience at suppressing there own creativity and so, whether they realize it or not, do their best to stifle creativity in others.  Another reason they stifle creativity is to protect themselves.  They don't want to loose their job to someone more creative and innovative so they try to stifle that creativity in others.  And that stifling of creativity just keeps getting passed down to the next batch of new employees.  I suggest reading the Huff Post story for more information on that, but I really want to touch on another area the article doesn't mention.  
    Why is creativity such an important need in humans?  Secularists would say it is because being creative helps us survive so it is simple survival instinct, but I believe otherwise.  Creativity is an aspect of the Creator.  Apparently, a very important aspect of God since just saying the Creator automatically told  everyone I was referring to God.  And we are created in his image, which doesn't mean we look like God, but that spirituality, we share to some degree the powers of God including the ability to be creative.  God is the creator so we are creators.  It's as simple as that.  But corporations are not the only ones that stifle creativity.  Parents, friends, school teachers and society can do it also.  It's not surprising, to me anyway, that very spiritual people are more creative than the average person and that most creative people are somewhat spiritual.  If you think your creativity has been stifled to some extent, than developing your spiritual side will help.  Also, here are two books I've read and recommend:

• Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg - developing writing creativity, but can aid in all creative endeavors
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - developing creativity in writing and arts, but also any creative efforts

Both of these books are used often in creative writing courses.  There are probably other good books and courses on developing creativity, but I haven't read or attended them, so I can't give any specific recommendations.