Organisational Enablers of Process Innovation in the Portuguese Footwear Industry: Do Subunits’ Differences Matter?

Abstract

With the aim of investigating the link between the implementation of new forms of work organisation and innovation, this paper explores the importance of intra-organisational differences in explaining innovation adoption. By means of a survey complemented by case study field notes, this study takes two organisational units – production and conception & development – and analyses the subject in the Portuguese footwear industry. Findings suggest that there are not only differences in what concerns the extent to which certain management practices – such as autonomy and consultancy – are implemented, but also in the impact of these potential drivers on innovation adoption. This fact has important research and policy implications. If innovation is to be encouraged, intra-organisational differences regarding purposes, resources and competencies cannot be ignored.