Egg / Chicken question: Culture versus Process
What needs to come first: A great culture that allows for innovation and makes sure people can contribute to new ideas from within the organisation (and ideally also from without) or a great process that makes sure the organisation can capture all relevant ideas for different topics from various sources such as stakeholders, experts, lateral thinkers, innovators and internal staff and build on those ideas?
What will eventually lead to better innovation? There are different “schools” and beliefs on this question. Ideally, we believe, you have both. A great culture where it is normal and expected to contribute, as well as a process that can capture these contributions in a transparent, fair and collaborative way. If you do not have either, we would always suggest to start with the clear process and to drive the innovation culture with this process instead of the other way round.
What are your beliefs and ideas about the issue of culture and process? Do you see other drivers and needs? Let us know!
April 19th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Maybe these factors are implied in your definition of a “great culture”, but I thought I would bring them forward.
i) The role of trust (esp between levels of hierarchies)
ii) The role of power (e.g. the concept that information is power, so share it wisely and not merely for what is “best for innovation”)
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Excellent point, I think there are even more factors than the two you mention and probably each organisation has to define them and live up to them.