Tapping into your people: successfully managing idea generation in organisations

Abstract

Over the past few years, innovation has increasingly garnered the headlines as one of the core competencies every sustainable organisation must have. Yet, it is the idea which is the foundation of any innovation. This paper draws together knowledge about idea generation, and its management, and how the process of encouraging ideas, creativity and then managing them effectively will enhance the opportunities of successfully finding and implementing innovations which will add value to the organisation and its stakeholders. Extensive review of literature in the field of idea and innovation management, as well as a study of Souza Cruz¿s recently conceptualised and implemented Idea Management programme has brought together the many facets involved in successfully harnessing and implementing ideas.