Innovation Management ? Reducing Hierarchy

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Reducing Hierarchy

Theory consistently states that the reduction of hierarchy and "flat" organisations are better suited to increasing optimal performance. Reality shows us that even the flattest organisations have hierarchy and that it cannot be completely eliminated. Further, hierarchy has value ? for example, there are compelling arguments that people look for and follow good leaders.

But results from organisations that consciously and forcefully attempt to reduce status differences produce superior results:

a) Good leaders, though of higher status, make others feel valuable by increasing their value and hence status.

Status deference hinders rather than increases output:

a) People tend to shut down when confronted by higher status individuals.

b) People tend to put greater value to the input of higher status individuals.

c) People tend to allow higher status individuals to get away with bad decision-making.

d) The competitive rush to attain a higher status creates restriction of information, which lessens intellectual cross-pollination.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

**********************************

You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

---

Your Company Without Training - Any Questions?

Okay, be honest!Are you guilty of sticking in a few... Read More

Innovation Management ? how does the user benefit?

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

How Can A Communications Audit Help You?

Organizations communicate in two directions: internally to staff and externally... Read More

Spirits in the Corporate Boardroom.......Oh, sure......

There is a growing movement in the spiritual... Read More

Why Business Owners Need Security

The main reason is to stop any potential lawsuits from... Read More

Management Training: Are You Satisfied With The Results?

If you're not satfied with the results of your management... Read More

Succession Planning for Your Business - 7 Key Benefits

A core activity in many successful businesses, Succession Planning is... Read More

Delegation for Business Leaders - How Letting Go Works

A leader's role is to focus on those areas of... Read More

Organizational Structure, Creativity, Innovation

Organizational structure can inhibit or foster creativity and innovation. The... Read More

Einstein - Definition of Insanity

Insanity in the Sign & Graphics IndustryEinstein's DefinitionAlbert Einstein once... Read More

Behavioral Interview Questions You Can Use Monday Morning

If past behavior is the best way to determine future... Read More

An Honest Look at Your Business

There is a difference between being comfortable and being in... Read More

Is Chess Good for Management?

The game of chess has been applauded and taught in... Read More

Personnel Access Poses a Continued Risk

The Security Consultant's Perspective...Implementing Personnel Security Initiatives should be the... Read More

Managing Motivation

"Without the chance to meaningfully participate in steering one's own... Read More

The Walmart Cult

The CultBecoming a part of the Cult, consists of being... Read More

Provisioning/User Management System Upgrades: Part I -- Ten Reasons Why Not To Do An Upgrade

Tommy Sherman daily monitors a helpdesk-provisioning queue for a large... Read More

Partnering for Performance

"The difference between a boss and a leader: a boss... Read More

Effective Meetings by Phone - Part 1, How to Plan a Teleconference

Teleconferences can be a boon or a bust. On the... Read More

Hidden Consultants Within Your Organization

You've all heard the old joke about a consultant being... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills By Disciplining Yourself In The Way Of The Question Mark

I'm often asked to come in to organizations and give... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills Simply By Answering The Question, What Does Our Organization Really...

The difference between leaders is ears. Good leaders not only... Read More

Forecasting Support Costs

Did you know that maintenance accounts for 50% to 80%... Read More

Human Resources: The Misidentified Subject

Interest in the field of human resources has exploded in... Read More

Is Your Company in Need of Family Therapy?

How Companies Are Like FamiliesLike a family, a company is... Read More

Your Blueprint For Business Success

Before you start your own business one of the first... Read More

Crisis Management Tips

The term crisis management has different connotations. In this article,... Read More

Middle-Aged Managers, the Forgotten Digital Divide

The digital divide is defined by the role computers play... Read More

Creativity Management ? Quality from Quantity

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

The Compliance Officers Killer Application

It used to be that only the largest multi-nationals needed... Read More

Motivation - It Starts with Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement is about recognition or attention from another person. It... Read More

Is Busyness Affecting Your Business?

I'm too busy; I'd love to but I'm very busy;... Read More

Do the People in Your Organisation Dress For Success?

What really amazes me, with all the personal and professional... Read More