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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Assess your own ability to perform within a given mode1 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

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

6. 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