Individual Perceptions Of Innovation: A Multi-Dimensional Construct

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to understand and quantify how individuals perceive the meaning of the word innovation across a specific, indentified relatively homogenous cultural group. A traditional definition of innovation generally refers to the creation of a new or novel product or service. The intent was to demonstrate that a uniquely identified cultural group, involving a homogeneous group of IT industry employees accustomed to frequent innovations, might perceive a different meaning of innovation. This paper presents findings that redefine innovation, as a three-dimensional construct. Factor analysis identifies the constructs as new, improve or change. Individuals understand the meaning of innovation in these three unique (and independent) dimensions. In addition, three independent demographic variables (gender, job function, and generational cohort) suggest that variations in the perception of innovation are job-related and age dependent. Implications are that innovation is a complex concept, adapted by individuals, to describe something more than a new product or service.