6.5.1 An Organizing Framework

As Becker and Whisler note, the innovation literature seems to be organized along the lines of simple systems elements: inputs, outputs, and processes. Inputs are variables that predispose organizations to innovate; outputs are types of innovations adopted and/or implemented; processes are sets of activities used to transform inputs into outputs.

The inputs of structure, people, and information flow are somewhat analogous to the open systems perspectives of structural design, human, and work flow. All three of these perspectives are interrelated such that a change in one can affect either of the other two perspectives. Gundy added the Environment input to reflect the dependency of organizations upon their environments and the crucial role that both internal and external environmental factors can have upon innovation.