Innovating in Organizations : A Model of Climate Components Facilitating the Creation of New Value

This research investigates the influence of components of organizational climate on innovation in organizations, extending previous work on the antecedents of innovation outcomes. Specific aspects of climate are measured utilizing a sample of 249 managers in organizations across industries in Spain and the United States, including respondents' perceptions of collaborative communication, trust and commitment, along with the organization's orientation to innovation. A model is proposed and tested, in which collaborative communication within an organization generates trust, and these constructs are associated with greater commitment. Supported by an orientation to innovation, these variables are associated with innovation outcomes in the organization. Results showed that collaborative communication between employees builds trusting relationships, which then lead to a stronger commitment to the organization. Organizational commitment facilitates both administrative and technical innovation. Orientation to innovation is also found to partially mediate the relationship between organizational commitment and both administrative and technical innovation. Discussion and implications that guide management practices in support of innovation are presented, including the importance of fostering and rewarding behaviours associated with successful innovation outcomes that create new value for the organization