Discussion Questions
September 11&13, 2012
POSTECH Strategic Management of Information and Technology Laboratory
(POSMIT: http://posmit.postech.ac.kr)
Dept. of Industrial & Management Engineering
POSTECH
Discussion Questions (1/2)
■ Chapter 2. Sources of Innovation
3. To what degree do you think the creativity of the firm is a function of the creativity of
individuals, versus the structure, routines, incentives, and culture of the firm? Can you give an
example of a firm that does a particularly good job at nurturing and leveraging the creativity
of its individuals?
– Role of innate individual creativity versus
Firm structure, routines, incentives and culture that can nurture or thwart such creativity
– 3M: Reknown for its practice of permitting “*bootlegging”
– Apple: Encouraging a rebellious and free-thinking culture
* Research in which motivated individuals secretly organize the innovation process
Organizational Influences on Creativity and Innovation [Amabile, 1996]
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Discussion Questions (2/2)
■ Chapter 2. Sources of Innovation
4. Several studies indicate that the use of collaborative research agreements is increasing around
the world. What might be some of the reasons that collaborative research is becoming more
prevalent?
– Increased awareness of the benefits of knowledge sharing
– Rapid advances in information technology
– Quickened pace of innovation
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