In Innovation as
Usual: How to Help Your People Bring Great Ideas to Life (2013),
Miller and Wedell-Wedellsborg discuss the importance of establishing systems
within organizations that promote not only the creativity that results in
innovation, but also make it possible for employees to bring innovative ideas
to fruition. Miller and Wedell-Wedellsborg argue that a leader’s primary job
“is not to innovate; it is to become an innovation architect, creating a work
environment that helps . . . people engage in the key innovation behaviors as
part of their daily work” (p. 4). Such a work environment must be reinforced by
innovation architecture—the structures within an organization that support an
innovation, from the brainstorming phase to final realization. The more well
developed the architecture and the simpler the processes involved, the more
likely employees are to be innovators.
For this assignment, you
will research the innovation architecture of at least three companies that are
well-known for successfully supporting a culture of innovation. Write a
1,500-word paper that addresses the following:
- What particular elements of
each organization’s culture, processes, and management systems and styles
work well to support innovation? - Why do you think these
organizations have been able to capitalize on innovation and
intrapreneurship while others have not? - Based on what you have learned,
what processes and systems might actually stifle innovation and
intrapreneurship? - Imagine yourself as an innovation
architect. What structures or processes would you put in place to foster a
culture of innovation within your own organization?
Include in-text citations
to at least four reputable secondary sources (such as trade journals, academic
journals, and professional or industry websites) in your paper.
Prepare this assignment
according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the
Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a
grading rubric. Instructors will be using the rubric to grade the assignment;
therefore, students should review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment
to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful
completion of the assignment.
Reference (Use this as
your fifth reference)
Miller, P., &
Wedell-Wedellsborg, T. (2013).Innovation as usual: How to help
yourpeople bring great ideas to life.
Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
