Top executives more satisfied with innovation results than employees
Interesting finding from a recent BCG report on innovation:
BCG offers no clear explanation as to why this could be, musing only that the top executives have to be bullish in order to make innovation succeed. I would suspect that there are other factors in play, mainly the fact that it is often top level executives who are involved in innovation projects. Establishing an «innovative corporate culture» that allows everyone to contribute could raise the satisfaction in other employees. But I'm only guessing. Other key findings of the study:
[There is] a persistent difference in view between senior executives and decision makers and the rest of the company. Simply put, the top brass are far more satisfied. In 2010, the majority of C- and VP-level executives, directors and managers said they were satisfied with their company's return on innovation spending, versus only 36 percent of other employees.
BCG offers no clear explanation as to why this could be, musing only that the top executives have to be bullish in order to make innovation succeed. I would suspect that there are other factors in play, mainly the fact that it is often top level executives who are involved in innovation projects. Establishing an «innovative corporate culture» that allows everyone to contribute could raise the satisfaction in other employees. But I'm only guessing. Other key findings of the study:
- Innovation becomes a priority for companies again. (Well, duh.)
- RDEs (rapidly developing economies) are becoming increasingly innovative.
- Many companies are not satisfied with how they measure return on innovation.
- Companies are focusing on incremental product innovation, suggesting they remain cautious.
- While companies from mature economies are most concerned about idea development, companies in RDEs worry about attracting and retaining talent.
