Footnotes to Research on Management Innovation

Abstract

Management innovations, also called organizational, administrative, and managerial innovations, are nontechnological innovations that have been conceptualized in contrast to technology-based product and process innovations and pertain to new organizational structures, administrative systems, and management practices. This paper provides a perspective on the state of research on this innovation type. It asks why research on management innovation lags that of technological innovation and compiles five footnotes, each addressing an important aspect of studying innovation in organizations, and, together, they explain conceptual ambiguity and methodological challenges that have hindered research on management innovation. The footnotes also highlight the opportunities that research on management innovation could provide for a better understanding of the influence of innovation on organizational conduct and outcome.