Innovation Exposed : Case Studies of Strategy, Organization and Culture in Heterarchies

The author develops a model on innovation in heterarchies, being exposed rather than sheltered, and describes implications for practitioners of innovation and organization in more classic organizations on the individual, project team, and organizational level.

Collectively led companies are considered more flexible, faster and more innovative. But how are innovations developed in heterarchical, that is non-hierarchical or agile organizations? What can we learn for classical innovation management and organizations? In a multiple case study approach, Sarah Schoellhammer describes the innovation practices of one small, two medium-sized and two large distinctive European heterarchies from different industries. Their non-hierarchical innovation mechanisms are analyzed across the five cases and compared to classic innovation management along the dimensions strategy and direction, structures and processes, as well as culture and leadership. The author develops a model on innovation in heterarchies, being exposed rather than sheltered, and describes implications for practitioners of innovation and organization in more classic organizations on the individual, project team, and organizational level.