ISSN:
1467-9310
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Economics
Notes:
The authors have carried out a study in a number of engineering research institutes of the relationship between the performance of teams engaged in technological innovation and the existence in the team of possible roles. Their objective was to ascertain the optimum role composition. They have identified as essential to an effective innovating team the roles of leader/organiser, idea generator, critic, gatekeeper, research technique specialist, and interface manager.They found that which roles were the key depended on the stage of progress of a project. For example, during the earliest stage the idea generator and the gatekeeper were the most important; in the last stage the interface manager and research technique specialist roles came to the fore. The leader's role was always crucial. His most important functions were to staff the team (getting the right balance of roles and skills, develop the team members, help to generate ideas and act as a gatekeeper. Preferably he should be neither a critic nor a research technique specialist.The authors conclude that the use of these role concepts will improve innovation performance. They also believe that they will be found to be of importance for teams engaged in any form of creative activity.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.1984.tb00519.x
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