Culture of Innovation

“Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and, therefore, the foundation of all invention and innovation. In it is arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathize with humans whose experiences we have never shared.” ― J.K. Rowling

Innovation is the simple process of translating an idea or existing invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay. Innovation can further be described as a significant and positive change. It’s a result. It’s an outcome. It’s something you ultimately work towards achieving on a project.

So why is innovation important in a workplace? Well, innovation plays a quintessential role in the success and sustainability of any organisation. The market place is very much dynamic, with that being said innovation can be seen as a mantra to enhance ones competitiveness and sustainability. Innovation fosters new ideas for products and services, encourages team work and allows an organisation to find competitive advantage within this cluttered marketplace.

When it comes to innovating there are so many various aspect and tools one could use within the process and there are many strategies one must take into consideration, systemic thinking, design thinking, innovation culture etc. Moving forward we will venture into and discuss two different theories: Design thinking and how to foster a culture of innovation.

What is Innovation Culture?

Best described by Paul McKinney (2016);

”Innovation doesn’t occur on its own. It has to be cultivated and fostered. If organisations want to successfully throughout their respective companies, they must create a culture that will ultimately encourage cooperation, reward creativity, and foster a positive working style that creates more opportunities for every individual.” “Reward employees with time to think, while providing them with the structure they need.”

Culture is "The sum total of values, norms, assumptions, beliefs and ways of living built up by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to another." Innovation culture is the work environment that the organisation leaders cultivate in the hope to pursue a different way of thinking and ultimately its application. The belief is not that innovation does not only come from the top of the business hierarchy but rather it can come from anyone within the business.

Every organisation is different therefore the culture of the organisations is also inherently different. When an organisation cultivates innovation they are ultimately cultivating a unique and particular system. When wanting to be innovative organisations have to be thoughtful about your approach. Whatever the organisation does, it should align with the values of the company and with the company’s goals. And in each case, they have to make it easy and rewarding for the people whose roles and dynamics influence the very innovation culture you’re trying to cultivate.

With Blu Betty because the company was started as a family, that family mantra has remained with them throughout thus the relationship between all internal stakeholders is one of trust, support and openness. When developing a culture within an organisation Blu Betty believes it is important to nurture an internal culture where all employees understand the mission and the vision of the organisation. Furthermore culture sets the norms on everything in the organisation. This includes how employees are developed and promoted, how problems are addressed and how individuals interact with each other.

Colleen, founder of Blu Betty, believes in the democratic leadership style. She believes that in order to function successfully as a business the leader should take into account the input of the employees. Although the Blu Betty working environment is one that allows for input from all members, the responsibility of making the final decision lies with the organisation leader. Colleen believes that it is her job to boost the employee morale and to create an environment where employees feel comfortable enough to voice their opinions.

When it comes to innovation within a business, according to McLaughlin (2016), Companies with cultures that place a high value on innovation encourage their employees to take risks and innovate in the performance of their jobs. Companies such as Blu Betty with cultures that place a low value on innovation want their employees to do their jobs the same way that they have been trained to do them, without necessarily looking for ways innovative ways to improve.

Every company has its own unique personality, just like people do. In groups of people who work together, organizational culture is an invisible but powerful force that influences the behaviour of the members of that group. That is why it is imperative to create a culture that aims to change behaviours. With the change in behaviours the change in mind-sets will ultimately follow.