From ideas to innovations: The role of individuals in idea implementation

Abstract

The extant literature has underlined the pivotal role of individuals in innovation implementation. However, we are still missing a holistic understanding of the individual‐level factors necessary for idea implementation. Based on a systematic content analysis review of 125 articles, we identify six categories of individual‐level factors that have been found to promote the successful implementation of innovations: expertise, motivation, cognitive factors, personality traits, attitudes and social skills. Drawing on previous theoretical developments, we present an extended model of creativity and innovation in organizations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the idea implementation stage. Finally, we draw some potentially important implications for research and practice and offer directions for future research.