University of Twente Student Theses
Innovative work behavior through access to resources and LMX : case study at a German retailer
Röttger, Valentin (2017) Innovative work behavior through access to resources and LMX : case study at a German retailer.
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| Abstract: | To identify the leader-member relationship as well as the access to resources based on the Resource Mobilization Theory that influences Innovative Work Behavior. Given that innovation is not very likely in the retail industry and especially not on the shop floor, this study wants to explore the existing limitations and give indications what changes are needed to work more towards innovative work behavior. Data was obtained from 12 Interviews in a German retail company, unstructured and semi-structured at four different hierarchical levels: HR manager, Store manager, line manager and shop floor employees. These were analyzed using Atlas.ti and a coding scheme to be able to state propositions regarding the underlying theories. There was nearly no innovative work behavior possible based on the exchange of leader and employees. Further, no relevant resources are available nor can any be mobilized. This stems from the overall organizational strategy, the missing innovation focus and the uneducated personnel. Only the social structure within the employees is innovation enabling and does foster some knowledge exchange. Managers need to delegate more tasks to their employees and establish a two-way communication. The relation between leader and employee should become more mutually beneficial and delegation and trust should be more emphasized, to shift from low to a high-quality relationship. This will help the employees to receive more resources and to be more intrinsically motivated to come up with innovations. Also, the overall number and variety of resources such as information, time and knowledge need to become greater, to be able to engage in innovative activities. This case study gives new insights to the very limited literature regarding innovation in the retail sector and validates the theoretical leadership structures and relationships in the retail industry. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/73276 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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