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Culture Is King: How Culture Contributes to Innovation
Author(s) -
Denham Jon,
Kaberon Rachel
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of product innovation management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1540-5885
pISSN - 0737-6782
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-5885.2012.00908.x
Subject(s) - sociology , citation , library science , media studies , computer science
I nnovation remains high on many Chief Executive Officers’ agenda for 2012. Yet in a recent survey, one out of two top managers said they were unimpressed by returns on their innovation-focused investments. Thus, we are led to wonder whether innovation can be optimized and built into the culture to increase its returns. Innovation and cultural change are daunting tasks, and the associated risks leave the most well-intentioned and dedicated of organizations on the precipice of change filled with doubt, unable to move. Using a technique we call Frame Stretching (FS), an organization can move past their doubts. The process connects them to a familiar story, such as the Legend of Robin Hood, where the lessons and obstacles are parallel to the challenges the organization currently faces. When they swap their current frame for the framework of a story, individuals feel free to reimagine the potential of their organization and current situation. By itself, FS, using the story framework, leverages the power of myth and metaphor to increase individuals’ confidence and ultimately their performance. What if FS were to be practiced with purpose, and specifically help an organization focus on their more daunting challenges? After identifying four salient features of innovative cultures, we imagined how an organization might optimally accelerate and integrate innovation, at little risk and without taking on the larger task of cultural change. Our inspired solution relies on the natural and necessary role that learning and reflection play in helping individuals overcome adversity, irrespective of cultural norms. By actively connecting the possibilities realized from one legend to modern day cases, individuals can easily understand their innovative opportunities amidst four salient features of their culture. This FS exercise demonstrates the utility of the approach, and we hope it encourages others to develop insights into how any organization seeking to innovate can succeed in doing so. Welcome to FS, pairing the Legend of Robin Hood with organizational cases in an exploration to optimize and build innovation into your culture and increase returns by following four lessons focused on leadership, environment, talent, and process.