Validation of organizational innovation as a creative learning process

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 643-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Ali Yakhlef ◽  
Fredrik Nordin
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Organizational Legitimacy ◽  
Management Innovation ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Validation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Learning ◽  
Successful Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Previous studies on innovation tend to view innovation as consisting of a creative phase of novel and useful ideas, and a non-creative, or at least a less creative phase, as this considered to be the mere implementation and validation of the initially created ideas. In contrast, this paper aims to stress on the significance of the process of validating a new idea as being a creative, learning, exploratory process that shapes the degree of novelty of the innovation as a whole. Design/methodology/approach In driving this argument, this study deductively builds on a theoretical pre-understanding derived from extant literature related to management innovation and organizational legitimacy, and inductively draws on information gleaned from three in-depth case studies. Findings The study shows that the validation phase in the innovation process is a creative process, rather than just being a set of activities that relate to the mere execution of the created ideas. Viewing the validation process as an exploratory search for new knowledge, this study establishes a relationship between the form of knowledge mobilized, vertically within an organization or horizontally from outside, and the form of legitimation required. Validation based on internally generated knowledge is effective in terms of achieving pragmatic (efficiency-driven) objectives. Inter-organizational knowledge inflows are associated with cognitive legitimacy – a form of legitimacy that leads to changes in the stakeholders’ beliefs about a the product. In contradistinction, horizontal, socio–cultural inflows of knowledge are likely to improve on the product itself, thereby generating more traction for validation. Research limitations/implications This research is based on data collected from three firms only. Practical implications The idea developed here can provide business organizations a better understanding of the validation process of management innovations. This study suggests that successful innovation often requires managers to be prepared to seek knowledge beyond the confines of their own organizations. Originality/value This study contributes in three ways: it submits that there is a dynamic interplay between the moments of creation and validation, which is largely shaped by the novelty of the mobilized knowledge, depending on whether it is internal top–down or external horizontal; relatedly, the effectiveness of validation is shaped by the novelty of the knowledge garnered to justify the initial ideas; and the present paper has extended Suchman’s (1995) framework by linking the effectiveness of the various forms of legitimacy to the source of knowledge mobilized in the validation process.

An audit of innovation drivers: some empirical findings in Greek agri-food firms

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos ◽  
Dimitris Skalkos
Keyword(s):  
Process Management ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Incremental Innovation ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Innovation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model and examine the relevance of a set of five dynamic drivers to building and sustaining the innovation capability of agri-food firms.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were acquired through a recent study of 436 Greek agri-food firms. Regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between innovation drivers and each of the four innovation capability dimensions, namely, product innovation, process innovation, organizational innovation and marketing innovation.FindingsThe findings verify that quality orientation and process management are the two most important innovation drivers. However, the impact of learning orientation, collaborations and environmental dynamism on a firm’s agri-food innovation capability is yet to be investigated.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has not investigated how firms’ characteristics form the drivers and barriers to innovation at the company. Moreover, a second limitation is related to the kind of innovation that drivers boost. This research does not separate between radical and incremental innovation.Practical implicationsIn order to maintain their sustainable development and enhance their whole innovation capability, agri-food firms should closely relate their innovation capability dimensions to the formulation of a strategy and harmonization of innovation and innovation drivers’ activities.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper is that it develops an appropriate research framework (a proposed structural model) for examining the links among the five innovation drivers with each of the four innovation capability dimensions.

Unlocking the value of creative individuals in UK innovation projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 13-15
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Projects ◽  
Innovation Project ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Innovation Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on how the creativity of individuals interrelates with the innovation processes and productivity of UK businesses. It was found that while creative results are difficult to consistently compartmentalize into each of the four innovation process stages, it tends to be that creative individuals add the most value in the earlier two stages of an organizational innovation project. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The impact of self-development on the tendency toward organizational innovation in higher education institutions with the mediating role of human resource agility

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Narenji Thani ◽  
Ebrahim Mazari ◽  
Somaye Asadi ◽  
Maryam Mashayekhikhi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
The Self ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nonacademic Staff ◽  
Self Development ◽  
Development Approach ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeConsidering innovation and its improvement as an essential strategy to enable organizations to continue their lives in the new competitive environment leads to a focus on employees' self-development as a factor that affects human resource agility (HRA) and the tendency toward organizational innovation. Consequently, the purpose of the study was to explain the impact of self-development on the tendency toward organizational innovation with the role of the mediator, HRA in higher education institutions as one of the most important and vital organizations in any society.Design/methodology/approachThe study was an applicable one with the quantitative approach using the descriptive–correlative method. The population consisted of 477 nonacademic employees of Kharazmi University among whom 214 ones were selected as the sample group, using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through the self-development, HRA and the tendency toward organizational innovation questionnaires and then analyzed using the structural equation modeling approach.FindingsThe study findings revealed a positive impact of self-development on the HRA (γ = 0/79) and HRA on the tendency toward organizational innovation (β = 0/6). Also, self-development with mediating HRA impacts the tendency toward organizational innovation (β = 0/58). Finally, self-development had no direct impact on the tendency toward organizational innovation.Research limitations/implicationsTaking the circumstances of doing this research into consideration, if there were the opportunity to do the research on the staffs of more than one university simultaneously and categorize the university staff into executives, managers and experts, more favorable results could be achieved. Also, considering group and organizational factors with the attention to the self-development approach and its factors would provide more awareness-training information on the higher education system in Iran. For future researches, both the individual and group factors are suggested to be surveyed and compared, to assess the weight and impact of these factors all together and to provide an adequate clarification of the role of the group and the organization. Finally, in future studies, it is also recommended that a qualitative approach be used to reach deeper clarifications on the aspects of these variables in the context of higher education.Practical implicationsThese findings have major practical implications concerning the higher educational settings. The findings of this study must give significant and practical insights for policymakers of universities and other higher education stakeholders, as well as recommendations to the academic community for further research in this area. First, they should recognize that nonacademic staff members are professional employees who contribute to improving organizational innovation. Higher education must focus on designing and implementing successful mechanisms and a well-planned self-development program that can help and promote the self-development approach among all staff. If the above-mentioned programs are designed based on the employees' needs analysis, they will get trained in a way to enhance mental and behavioral flexibility. The programs with such an approach can result in the proactive, adaptive, resilient behavior and agility of HR.Originality/valueThe model for this study has integrated and prioritized the key innovation drivers that would help universities design, adopt and implement policies and practices that facilitate and encourage improvements and adaptation to a fast-paced environment. Furthermore, the convincing reason for the significance of the current research is that although several types of research have been carried out on each of these three variables in different contexts separately, very few studies, like this, have directly examined the correlation between these three variables among the non-academic staff in higher education institutes. So, given the importance of the issue and rare availability of evidence in this regard, the authors were intrigued to discover whether the self-development through the mediation of HRA could reinforce and strengthen the tendency toward organizational innovation and whether HRA could be an appropriate mediator of the relationship between self-development and the tendency toward organizational innovation among the nonacademic staff of Kharazmi University as one of the most prestigious and celebrated universities in Iran.

Technology brokering and innovation: linking strategy, practice, and people

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Hargadon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Growth Opportunities ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Leaders ◽  
Continuous Innovation ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe author has spent the last ten years studying the innovation process in modern organizations and found that the most successful firms pursue an innovation strategy termed technology brokering.Design/methodology/approachHow are the objectives achieved? Include the main method(s) used for the research. What is the approach to the topic and what is the theoretical or subject scope of the paper?FindingsRather than chasing wholly new ideas, these successful firms focus on recombining old ideas in new ways. The results have sparked many technological revolutions and produced a steady stream of growth opportunities for existing businesses.Research limitations/implicationsNeeds cases showing that technology brokering, and the complementary work practices and people, can successfully execute such a strategy.Practical implicationsBy transforming traditional R&D organizations through a strategy of technology brokering firms can build competencies for continuous innovation..Originality/valueTo pursue a strategy of recombinant innovation, corporate leaders must put themselves in position to be the first to see how existing technologies in one market could be used to create breakthrough innovations in another.

Evolutionary game of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern of innovative organization

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 436-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruihua Wang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Evolutionary Game Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Evolutionary Game ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evolution Path ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Knowledge sharing in a master-apprentice pattern is the process of transferring tacit knowledge from masters to apprentices. In addition, 90 per cent of knowledge required for organizational innovation is tacit knowledge in the master-apprentice pattern. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the evolution of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern and explore the consequences of how to improve the knowledge sharing in the master-apprentice pattern. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses asymmetric evolutionary game theory to study the evolutionary track of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern of innovative organizations by analyzing the utility of masters and apprentices during the process of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern of the innovative organization. Findings The results reveal that when the masters obtained utility from sharing knowledge is greater than that from hoarding knowledge, and the apprentices obtained utility from studying hard is greater than the costs, the innovative organization can get the largest utility from the knowledge sharing in the mater-apprentice pattern. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the research is that this paper mainly studies knowledge sharing among individuals and does not research knowledge sharing between individuals and organizations. Practical implications This research has extended the understanding of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice and its evolution path. Also, the obtained findings are conducive to promoting knowledge sharing in master-apprentice and improving human resource management in innovative organizations. Originality/value This paper attempts to construct the evolution path of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern, which is a useful exploration of the dynamics of knowledge sharing in master-apprentice pattern and makes up for the shortcomings of the existing research.

Leading innovation – resolving creativity’s paradoxes

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 12-19
Author(s):  
Brian Leavy
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Innovation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Corporate innovation is an often misunderstood process, largely because managing it successfully requires inherently contradictory aims, such as control and freedom. This article looks at a variety of approaches by leading authorities. Design/methodology/approach A number of recent books have examined the paradoxical tensions at the heart of the innovation process. The article assesses the guidance they offer practitioners on how to manage a process replete with conflict and contradictions. Findings Several authors suggest unconventional approaches to unleash the talents of individuals and groups in ways that are productive for the organization. Practical implications One of the main challenges in leading innovation is to cultivate both cohesion and dissent. Originality/value This masterclass is a useful primer for practitioners leading an innovation initiative.

Insider action research towards companywide sustainable product innovation: ecodesign transition framework

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabien Brones ◽  
Eduardo Zancul ◽  
Marly M. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Innovation ◽  
Insider Action Research ◽  
Main Action ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study discusses the application of Insider Action Research to the systematic integration of an environmental perspective into industrial product innovation processes and projects. Applying Insider Action Research, it aims at a broader integration between top-down and bottom-up and soft and hard perspectives in the intersection of ecodesign and innovation and project management disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is based on action research and specificities from Insider Action Research to capture the change and transition aspects involving two main action research cycles. The longitudinal five-year research was carried out within a Brazilian cosmetics company. The outcomes of these cycles are analysed including customisation of ecodesign tools and related application, and views of different stakeholders of the challenge for the transition.FindingsThis paper describes an action research application aiming at faster learning loops in the field of sustainable innovation management. As a second contribution, an Ecodesign Transition Framework (ETF) is proposed, combining both technical and soft sides. The proposed framework is structured in three levels (strategic, tactical and operational), with two complementary perspectives of a mature ecodesign pattern and a transition pathway.Practical implicationsThe action research led to the intended outcomes both on the applied side, with increased diffusion of ecodesign in the company, and on the research side, with the ETF formulation and application. Practitioners interested in sustainable innovation can follow the ETF procedures, challenges faced, lessons learnt and conclusions.Originality/valueThe Insider Action Research addressed the literature gap to better relate the recommendations in the field to business reality. The resulting ETF brings a novel perspective for integrating environmental considerations in the product innovation process of a company. It organises the soft issues to be considered for the necessary transition towards such integration, consolidating and advancing previous theoretical views of ecodesign, with associated new practical implications.

Towards the distinctive Islamic mode of leadership in business

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 882-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aikaterini Galanou ◽  
Dalia Abdelrahman Farrag
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Transactional Leadership Style ◽  
Islamic Leadership ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper provides some fundamental observations on leadership from an Islamic perspective and the Islamic revealed knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to measure the association between Islamic leadership and the most common western forms of leadership namely; transactional, transformational, authentic, and ethical leadership styles as well as its relationship on leader’s effectiveness and organizational innovation. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical investigation was conducted using portrait value questionnaire recommended by Schwartz (1994b), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) followed by structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings – The results indicated that Islamic leadership is positively and significantly associated with perception of leader effectiveness and innovation outcomes. In addition the findings revealed that Islamic leadership is positively correlated with transformational, ethical, and authentic leadership as well and not with the transactional leadership style. Practical implications – Among the practical implications of this research is that while a large body of leadership research has adopted a variation of leadership theories, our results suggest that we should seize to pay attention to the influential Islamic leadership. Originality/value – The originality of this paper is that it extends scholarly understanding on Islamic perspectives of management which is a relatively new and growing area of interest for academics and practitioners, in terms of both theory and practice.

Hopes and fears

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 27-29
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Operating Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
The One ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – To say it is tough for business organizations today would be a massive understatement. Thanks largely to globalization and technological developments, the operating environment has arguably become more competitive than ever before. Firms thus need to constantly evolve in order to meet the array of new challenges which regularly face them. For those unable to adapt, survival and prosperity may ultimately be elusive. Change has invariably proved to be something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can signal opportunity and prompt excitement and anticipation. But many others see change in terms of threat. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

How social capital affects innovation in a cultural network

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 895-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Ceci ◽  
Francesca Masciarelli ◽  
Simone Poledrini
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Innovation Implementation ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Bonding And Bridging ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how bonding (i.e. tightly knit, emotionally close social relationships) and bridging social capital (i.e. outward looking open social relationships) affect opportunity recognition and innovation implementation in a cultural network of firms, investigating the main benefits of and drawbacks to both bonding and bridging social capital. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a case study of a cultural network of firms which share the same norms, principles and values. The method adopted is content analysis of qualitative data. Findings The authors find that in cultural network bridging social capital facilitates experimentation and combination of ideas from distant sources, while bonding social capital, which underpins the need for more conformity, is more effective for supporting innovation implementation. Innovation results from the interplay between the two dimensions of social capital, and each dimension contributes to the final outcome in a distinct and unique way. Research limitations/implications There are some limitations which arise from the case study methodology; the limited set of industries analysed affects the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The research has some practical implications for firms that belong to cultural networks. It offers suggestions about how to manage social relationships in different stages of the innovation process. Originality/value The authors examine the effects of bonding and bridging social capital on innovation in a cultural network of firms. The authors show that in a cultural network, different moments in the innovation process require different efforts related to the firm’s network relationships.

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