Innovation Fitness for Use

Innovation Fitness for Use

Innovation Fitness for Use

For innovation to be successful, each organization needs to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Accomplishing this requires am introspective examination of the agency or organization’s preparedness for innovation. This assessment permits not only an understanding of where the organization is at present but what will it take to become more innovation proactive. “Jumping in” to innovation without first understanding certain elements of the organization, can prove disastrous. Innovation is more than a process; it is a strategic function dedicated to sustained long-term improvement (McLaughlin, G. and Kennedy, W. (2016). A guide to Innovation Processes and Solutions for Government. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

The first step in developing an innovation effort, that will succeed, is in understanding the organization. A typical and normal reaction is that we all understand the agency/organization – but from our own set of experiences and knowledge. Every other supplier, employee, and user (customer) has their own perceptions that govern their understanding of the organization. Required is an overall assessment – one that seeks the perceptions of others in order to establish a baseline. The process begins at a high level initially and then subsequent evaluations will focus on the organizations culture and work environment (McLaughlin, G. and Kennedy, W. (2016). A guide to Innovation Processes and Solutions for Government. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

ORGANIZATIONAL EVALUATION

Before discussing initiation, consider the readiness of the organization for innovation. The simple assessment instrument will provide a quick overview of “organizational fitness for innovation.” Complete the assessment and score each question. Select executives, directors and managers within your organization or agency as a sample group. Check the box that best applies. Realize that the scores represent a perception of overall readiness for innovation. Sum the scores to determine overall fitness score.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT – ORGANIZATIONAL FITNESS FOR INNOVATION

This assessment consists of two parts:

Part 1: Take the survey below. When completing the survey, consider where you work as the organization to evaluate. Answer each question truthfully, selecting the most appropriate response. Record your total score.

Part 2: Based upon your score, summarize your findings, discussing areas for innovation opportunities and threats, and your recommendations for the future. Prepare a 600-word paper, including citations, to discuss your findings. Consider using this short survey in your organization. What do you think would be the response from management?

1. Is there a specific strategy for implementing and maintaining innovation?

(3) Yes, fully functional (2) Yes, marginally functional (1) No, or I do not know.

2. Is Leadership open to changing how it develops a strategy for innovation?

(3) Open (2) Somewhat Open (1) Generally Not Open.

3. Does Leadership discuss the benefits of innovation freely with associates and users?

(3) Always (2) Occasionally (1) Rarely or never.

4. Do the mission and purpose statements support an environment for innovation?

(3) Always (2) Occasionally (1) Generally not.

5. How well does Leadership manage the organization for innovation success?

(3) Well managed (2) Sporadic good Management (1) Frequent missteps.

6. How would you rate the preparedness for conducting and sustaining Innovation in your organization?

(3) Fully prepared (2) Marginally prepared (1) Unprepared

7. Rate how “innovative” the organization is at present.

(3) Organization is always in “catch-up” mode (2) Comparable to like agencies or organizations (1) Struggling to keep up with other agencies or organizations.

8. What is the major reason for innovation in your organization? (check all that apply)

(3) To provide value (2) Increase efficiencies (1) Reduce overall costs.

9. How would the organization rate its ability to implement new ideas?

(3) Ideas directly influence new products and services (2) Ideas occasionally influence new products or services (1) Ideas rarely create new products or services.

10. How resistant to change are the employees of the organization?

(3) No resistance (2) Occasional resistance (1) Employees resist change.

11. Is Innovation one of the organizations stated values or goals?

(3) Yes, discussed regularly (2) Occasional references (1) Not a part of the organizations values and goals statements.

12. How would innovation add value to your agency/organization?

(3) Significantly add benefit (2) Minor benefit added to the organization (1) Do not know