Title: The implementation of innovative strategies

Authors: William Acar, Arlyn J. Melcher, Kenneth E. Aupperle

Addresses: Graduate School of Management, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, USA. ' Graduate School of Management, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, USA. ' Department of Management, University of Akron, USA

Abstract: This paper contributes a |design| approach to the implementation theory of innovative strategies. It synthesizes the literature and classifies strategic behaviours into four types, termed |Custodial|, |Stabilizer|, |Developer| and |Entrepreneurial|. A list of features/properties is provided for each mode. The paper offers a gradation of organizational modes which are designed for implementation, and which could capture the range of strategic behaviours from the fully resistive to the entirely entrepreneurial. Definitions of innovative and efficiency-orientated changes are offered. A number of innovation-fostering arrangements are described and evaluated, and an integrative perspective of innovation-fostering measures is presented. Finally, the case of Apple Computer is discussed as an example of the proposed framework.

Keywords: strategic behaviour; corporate culture; strategy implementation; innovation; management efficiency; organisational modes; integrated theory; consistency; technology management; intrapreneurs; growth; entrepreneurship; Apple Computer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1989.026023

International Journal of Technology Management, 1989 Vol.4 No.6, pp.631 - 651

Published online: 26 May 2009 *

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