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Implementing Grassroots Innovation in a Large Firm

Author

Listed:
  • Betz, U.A.K.
  • Camacho, N.M.A.
  • Gerards, M.
  • Stremersch, S.
Abstract
In order to promote the generation of market breakthroughs and disruptive innovation, organizations increasingly promote grassroots innovation, i.e. the emergence of innovative ideas from their whole employee base. Despite this surge in interest in grassroots innovation, there is a lack of guidance on how organizations should design and implement grassroots innovation programs. A key challenge faced by organizations promoting grassroots innovation is how to motivate the right employees to submit their best ideas and persist in their quest to transform such ideas in successful new businesses. In this paper, we draw on self-determination theory (SDT) to propose a conceptual framework that organizations can use to design effective grassroots innovation programs. We offer an in-depth understanding of how top-management support and the mechanisms behind grassroots innovation programs (e.g., idea sourcing, team formation, team/idea selection and training/coaching) influence employees’ motivation to submit their best ideas and, consequently, the success of grassroots innovation programs. We argue, in line with SDT, that successful grassroots innovation programs need to promote employees’ intrinsic motivation for innovation by satisfying three innate human needs: competence, autonomy and relatedness. Through an in-depth case study (the Innospire program at Merck), we provide evidence that support our propositions and discuss how organizations can successfully implement the proposed framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Betz, U.A.K. & Camacho, N.M.A. & Gerards, M. & Stremersch, S., 2012. "Implementing Grassroots Innovation in a Large Firm," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2012-023-ORG, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:38149
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    corporate entrepreneurship; grassroots innovation; in-depth case study; self-determination theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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