Innovative Leadership in a Challenging Economic Environment.

摘要

Despite evidence of future success for companies that innovate during a recession, historically organizations focus almost exclusively on controlling costs, which include reducing, or eliminating innovative activities. This modified Delphi study explored the leadership traits necessary to balance innovation and cost controls during poor economic conditions. The research involved the perceptions of technology industry executives with experience in managing innovation, budgets, or both. Executive responses regarding leadership practices during a recession differed by organizational type: startup or established. Startup executives noted that innovation and cost containment were necessary practices and little change was required during an economic downturn. Established organizations reported a lack of leadership training, preparation, and execution with both innovation and cost controls. Definitive leadership traits identified in the study were cross-functional skills and knowledge, participatory leadership, and employee empowerment. The results validated that a balance of innovation and cost controls is necessary in a recession but effective leaders practice both under any conditions.