An Exploratory Case Study of Human Capital of a Function of Innovation in Organizational Culture

Abstract

A retention and motivation issue exists in organizations among Generation Y in the United States. The exploratory case study design allowed the researcher to garner in-depth analysis of the participants' perspectives regarding human capital as a function of innovation in organizational culture. The diffusion of Innovation and the human capital theory were the foundation guiding the study. Three themes emerged from the data: 1) training and development, 2) rules and regulations, 3) motivation. Training and development involved training focused on career development and upward mobility. Rules and regulations involved inflexible guidelines that impede innovation. Motivation involved the necessary culture needed to engage Generation Y employees and build morale. Three recommendations were provided for organizational leadership: 1) leadership acquire a good understanding of Generation Y employees, 2) invest in Generation Y's training and career development, 3) adopt ways to motivate Generation Y employees.