Using Stretch Goals for Idea Generation Among Employees: One Size Does Not Fit All!

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Ahmadi, Saeedeh; Jansen, Justin J. P.; Eggers, J. P.
• 署名单位: University of Amsterdam; Erasmus University Rotterdam; Erasmus University Rotterdam - Excl Erasmus MC; New York University
• 刊物名称: ORGANIZATION SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1047-7039
• DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2021.1462
• 发表日期: 2022
• 页码: 671-687
• 关键词: employee innovation; IDEA GENERATION; motivation; stretch goal; hierarchy

摘要

This study explores heterogeneity in the efficacy of stretch goals for engaging employees in innovation, as stretch goals may both boost norm-breaking creativity and hamper fruitful ideation by overwhelming employees. Through a multilevel perspective, we demonstrate that stretch goals motivate more capable employees (successful, experienced, senior) to submit useful innovative ideas by combining the motivation of stretch goals with these employees' ability to discern fruitful from futile ideas. Other employees, meanwhile, may spin their wheels and submit lower-quality ideas based on their inability to apply useful knowledge. Empirically, we leverage idea generation data from a Fortune 500 firm. We contribute to stretch goals research by demonstrating both the intended and the unintended consequences that shape employee behavior and to the innovation literature by articulating when stretch goals can and cannot motivate valuable innovation from employees.