Innovation Processes: Mechanistic vs Innovation Processes: Mechanistic vs. Organic MIIC, Sept 10 2010 Morten T. Hansen

Most processes can be placed along a spectrum Organic Processes - informal - loosely-coupled tasks - non-linear, iterative - fluid, evolving - diffuse responsibilities Mechanistic Processes - formalized - tight chain of tasks - linear, non-iterative - fixed milestones - very clear responsibilities Note: this distinction was first made by Burns and Stalker, The Management of Innovation, 1961.

Contingency model: no one best process mode. It depends When use Organic “Exploration” New Business Dev. - Uncertain business environments When use Mechanistic “Exploitation” Efficiency drives - Stable business environments Note: Contingency theory was first introduced by Lawrence and Lorsch, Organization and Environment, 1967.

Assess your own ability to perform within a given mode 1 4 7 Not very able Somewhat able Highly able My own ability to perform well within an organic process My own ability to perform well within a mechanistic process

Plot Yourself: Different profiles Ability to perform within 7 Specialist Ambidextrous Organic Skill Gap Specialist 1 1 7 Mechanistic

Do you need to be good at managing organic and/or mechanistic processes? A question of fit What is required in your company? In your role? Personal strategy Should you try to be ambidextrous, moving effortlessly between the modes? Or should should you choose between the modes and become really good in one? Choose different roles and/or companies based on your predominant process mode