"Commentary"-Talking Up Innovative Inspiration
Thursday, June 19, 2008SUZANNE PRATT: In tonight`s commentary, boosting innovation through conversation. Here`s Erwin Danneels, associate professor of marketing at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
ERWIN DANNEELS, ASSOC. PROF. MKTG, WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INST.: It should be common wisdom by now that employees should be encouraged to share ideas and opinions and that managers should be open to constructive input, even criticism. It`s surprising, then, that barriers to open communication are still common. For example, a recent study by James Detert of Penn State University and Amy Edmondson of Harvard business school show that fear of speaking up is pervasive in large, multinational corporations. Companies that don`t foster a frank exchange of ideas are at a big disadvantage. In my own research, I`ve looked at the connections between what is known as constructive conflict and innovation. I found that firms where employees feel free to vigorously challenge ideas, beliefs and assumptions are also the best at developing new technologies and entering new markets, and have more innovative products. At companies with a climate of constructive conflict, employees express dissenting opinions without fear of personal attacks or reprisal. The merits of ideas are openly debated and a rich range of options is created and evaluated. Is this how things are at your company? Or are people there reluctant to express their honest opinions? Do they try to figure out what higher-ups want to hear and then say as much? It`s been said at loose lips sink ships. In business, tight lips torpedo innovation. So, speak up and let others do the same. I`m Erwin Danneels.
