A Dynamic Learning Perspective on Innovation Control: Balancing Freedom and Constraint

Abstract

Recent research has highlighted innovation as a dynamic, cyclical and continuous process tied to multiple levels within organisations. This chapter approaches the control of innovation from a dialectic perspective by presenting practical managerial solutions to combine individual, team and organisational elements for the purpose of controlling resources with flexible, self-organising processes. The study reveals that diverse phases of the innovation that proceeds as a multi-level process have distinct demands with respect to innovation control. The early phase should be supported by indirect control mechanisms, with idea development guided in a free and supportive manner; the concept phase should be agitated by the organisation seeking multiple options and a defined shared goal; and the project development phase should have direct mechanisms with which to control execution and resources.