3M Rethinking Innovation Rethinking Innovation Essay

Lacking in an introductory part and in explanatory paragraphs that introduce the reader to the story, it can be perceived as "skimpy." On the other hand, the same features make it easy to read and follow through.

In terms of the organization and its stand on innovation, it is important to notice the increased emphasis placed by the 3M leaders on the organizational culture. Innovation in itself represents a culture of change, in which the current features are continually replaced by newer items which provide more benefits. While it is in fact crucial to create a culture that engages the staff members in the process of innovation, there are also other elements which must be granted, if not the same, maybe even more, attention. Some examples in this sense include market research to identify new needs and adjust to them or responses to the innovation strategies implemented by the other players in the industry.

4. Bootlegging

Bootlegging is generically understood, hereby, as a less formal type of employee empowerment, in the meaning that the supervisors turn a blind eye whenever the employee seems to be working on an innovative idea, rather than focusing on his/her given tasks.Generally speaking, the successful implementation of such a business model implies countless risks and requires extremely responsible staff members. In the case of 3M however, it can be seen as a fruitful approach as the company has already enforced a responsible and innovative culture for the past century.

5. Resource-Slack

Resource slack is a practice implemented by the managerial team at 3M by which employees are allocated time and resources to engage in "curiosity-driven activities" (Tidd, Bessant and Pavitt, 2005). The procedure can be associated with several disadvantages. On the one hand, it can be argued that resource slack activities could reduce the concentration and productivity of the employees. Additionally, it can be stated that organizational resources such as time, technologies or commodities are being uselessly wasted in these endeavors. Third, less responsible employees could use this time to procrastinate and further more reduce their performances and the overall productivity.

On the other hand however, while recognizing the general futility of resource slack endeavors, the company itself argues that they have, in the past, led to the creation of breakthrough products. Overall then, in spite of all of its disadvantages, resource slack activities can explore new ideas......