Keywords
Citation
Gratton, L. (2007), "Rocket science (innovation)", Strategic Direction, Vol. 23 No. 10. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2007.05623jad.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Rocket science (innovation)
Rocket science (innovation)
Gratton L People Management, 3 May 2007, Vol. 13 No. 9, Start page: 34, No of pages: 3
Purpose – based on a recent research project, discusses how organizations can encourage people to work across organizational boundaries and to collaborate on innovatory projects. Design/methodology/approach – discusses the triggers of collaboration and innovation, quoting examples of companies, such as BT and Tesco, that have enthused their employees to work together to achieve a particular purpose. Findings – argues that there are three types of trigger – an “igniting vision”, an “igniting question” and an “igniting task”. Suggests that these can create the impetus for achieving innovation in products, services and ways of working. Underlines that these triggers require managers, including human resource managers, to engage in constant, vigorous enquiry with people inside and outside the organization to identify the visions, questions and tasks that should be the focus of organizational effort. Originality/value – offers a new approach to fostering innovation.
Keywords: Business strategy, Employees involvement, Innovation