Title: Key mechanisms for employee-driven innovation in governmental client organisations

Authors: Henrik Sorensen; Lene Faber Ussing; Søren Wandahl; Randi M. Christensen

Addresses: Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 5, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark ' Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 5, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark ' Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark ' COWI, Visionsvej 53, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark

Abstract: In order to ensure that knowledge and ideas are transformed into innovative contributions, a systematic approach is important. The aim of this research was to identify the specific mechanisms that are key to implementing an innovation process model when conducting employee-driven innovation in a governmental client organisation. The methodological approach was an exploratory case study of a governmental client organisation within the Danish construction industry. The units of analysis were groups of employees and managers within the case organisation. The primary mechanisms identified were the mechanisms of organisational trust, innovation safety, organisational practices, cultural settings and the recognition and rewards structure to motivate employees. The decision-making procedures should be transparent especially to the idea-owners and the employees involved, and the implementation and putting into practice should be prioritised phases in the innovation process.

Keywords: employee driven innovation; innovation mechanisms; innovation process; employee motivation; idea generation; governmental organisations; case study; construction industry; organisational practices; cultural settings.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2018.092987

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2018 Vol.22 No.4/5, pp.427 - 450

Accepted: 15 Mar 2017
Published online: 04 Jul 2018 *

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