Finding that creative spark: Employee suggestion schemes and what makes them succeed

Abstract

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

Innovation is critical for any company hoping to successfully meet challenges and remain competitive. Finding ways to enhance creativity among the workforce should therefore be high on the agenda. A proven mechanism for achieving these goals is an employee suggestion scheme (ESS). This long-established tool is widely deployed to encourage idea generation among workers. Businesses have been using ESSs for more than a century now and their popularity continues to grow in several regions across the world. Nevertheless, many organizations still find it highly difficult to sustain them. The payoff for implementing suggestion schemes can be considerable.

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.

Citation

(2016), "Finding that creative spark: Employee suggestion schemes and what makes them succeed", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 24 No. 7, pp. 20-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-07-2016-0102