Cracking the Code of Effective Innovation
No author cited
futurethink LLC, June 2007
Specific combinations of organizational size and styles are dictating innovation success today, according to a study conducted by futurethink, a leading innovation research, tools and services firm.
The study's results, collected over an eight-month period, were determined by an online study survey of over 250,000 executives from a cross-section of businesses around the world. They rated their organization along the four capabilities essential to innovation: Ideas, Strategy, Process and Climate.
Size plays a major role in how successful an organization's innovation efforts. According to the survey, medium-sized organizations (with 5,000-10,000 employees) are "stuck in the middle" and are struggling with their innovation efforts.
The study points out that two very different approaches, when functioning in direct correlation to organizational size, positively impact innovation efforts. While smaller organizations, with a more entrepreneurial bent, focus on generating ideas, larger firms rely on a more formal style that centers on a process for innovation.
Recent leadership changes at JetBlue underscore the survey findings. The company has evolved from a start-up to a major player in the airline industry and its transition illustrates the growing pains that mid-sized companies can face as they move from an entrepreneurial to an established mind-set. The study recalls that CEO Dave Neeleman recently stepped down as leader of the organization to take on a more overview role as chairman of the airline.
The study further shows that organizations have not yet figured out the ideal way of blending these two approaches. In fact, it concludes, many are struggling with implementing this discipline to function in a consistent and productive manner.
