Bootlegging in the R&D Departments of High-Technology Firms.
Saved in:
| Title: | Bootlegging in the R&D Departments of High-Technology Firms. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Masoudnia, Yaser1 yaser_m@mit.edu, Szwejczewski, Marek2 m.g.szwejc2ewski@cranfield.ac.uk |
| Source: | Research Technology Management. Sep/Oct2012, Vol. 55 Issue 5, p35-42. 8p. 4 Charts. |
| Subjects: | High technology industries personnel, Bootlegging, Technological innovations & ethics, Research & development, Employee attitudes, New product development, Risk aversion, Employee motivation |
| Abstract: | The existence of bootlegging during the innovation process raises the question why employees undertake such a clandestine activity. This research examines why employees choose to bootleg and hide their innovative activities from the rest of the organization, especially the senior management. The research is based on 55 in-depth interviews with bootleggers working in R&D departments of 34 high technology companies. This paper concludes that the activity was undertaken to reduce the uncertainty associated with an idea and so increase the likelihood of being accepted by senior management and developed further through official channels. It also found that the primary motivation behind bootlegging was the desire of the individual to undertake work that will benefit the organization. INSET: Examples of Bootlegging Projects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
| Copyright of Research Technology Management is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Engineering Source |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | The existence of bootlegging during the innovation process raises the question why employees undertake such a clandestine activity. This research examines why employees choose to bootleg and hide their innovative activities from the rest of the organization, especially the senior management. The research is based on 55 in-depth interviews with bootleggers working in R&D departments of 34 high technology companies. This paper concludes that the activity was undertaken to reduce the uncertainty associated with an idea and so increase the likelihood of being accepted by senior management and developed further through official channels. It also found that the primary motivation behind bootlegging was the desire of the individual to undertake work that will benefit the organization. INSET: Examples of Bootlegging Projects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 08956308 |
| DOI: | 10.5437/08956308X5505070 |
