Online Idea Management System and the Non-Programmed Innovations, an Affordances Perspective

Building on theories of affordances, and proactivity and creative behavior, we contend that properties of online corporate idea management systems as a technology may enact uses of the system different than the one originally... [ view full abstract ]

Building on theories of affordances, and proactivity and creative behavior, we contend that properties of online corporate idea management systems as a technology may enact uses of the system different than the one originally designated by the firm. The material–the idea management system–influence the human agency, how employees use the technology to achieve goals related to their non-programmed innovation activity. Also, the social–submitting solutions and matured ideas developed by proactive employees–shape an alternative role and technological properties of the idea management system, of a platform for sharing and legitimizing ideas/solutions. Analyzing interviews with 91 employees of a large telecommunications firm, we show the imbrication of technology and social that happens around formalized innovation management programs. We discuss the importance of this perspective for innovation management theory and the strategy of running idea management systems.