This paper reviews 47 articles dealing with tensions at the intersection of management control and innovation. One purpose is to present the status of the research in the area in terms of types of articles, research methods, theoretical approaches, and tension-related terms used. A second purpose is to conceptually compare the use and interpretations of tension in the reviewed articles, as well as to systematically map and categorize highlighted competing demands. A third purpose is to suggest a tension-based framework. Among other characteristics and trends, the paper indicates an increased research interest in the issue of tensions during the review period . Although different theoretical approaches are adopted, the contingency approach is the most common. Furthermore, the review shows that several tension-related terms are used either alone or in parallel in the articles, often interchangeably and without clarifying their definitions. The tension-based framework presents four different types of tension: (1) inherent innovation-control tensions, (2) inherent management control tensions, (3) created management control tensions, and (4) decision-making tensions in innovation practices. The framework also suggests interpretations of and responses to tensions related to management control and innovation. Theoretically, the framework can enable a more precise debate that builds on previous research, since it clarifies potential ways to structure future research. From a practical point of view the presented framework can be helpful for managers dealing with tensions, by encouraging creative management control solutions that can enable innovation.
Purpose This study aims to understand the formal and informal practices of top managers as they seek to control product innovation processes and how the style of control used differs during development stages and gates. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative in-depth case study was conducted at a multinational corporation (pseudonym: MEC). The authors examined 12 product innovation projects and carried out semi-structured interviews to understand the experiences, perceptions and challenges of the people involved in product development projects with a focus on the interactions between top managers and the project teams. Findings The authors found that MEC uses formal control mechanisms such as a stage-gate model and a project management and reporting system to keep track of the progress of innovation projects. In addition, top managers use informal controls through involvement in innovation activities and interaction with the team members during the stages and gates of the development process. To carry out their control practices top managers use four distinct styles of control as follows: participative, facilitative, empowering and authoritative. Practical implications Suggestions are provided for managers on how formal and informal management control tools can be used in innovation processes. The authors show how top managers can broaden their range of interventions by involving themselves in product innovation projects in different ways. Originality/value This paper shows how the combination of formal and informal controls can generate a more holistic view of management control in innovation. It also adds to previous conceptualizations of control use by suggesting four distinct styles, which top managers can use to involve themselves in product innovation processes.
This study analyzes the determinants of road freight companies’ adoption intention regarding the electric road systems (e-roads) on Swedish motorways. A research model was developed based on the technology adoption literature and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. Survey data were gathered from 160 Swedish road freight companies, and structural equation modeling was performed to test the model empirically. The results reveal relative advantage, a technology characteristic, as the main determinant of road freight companies’ intention to adopt electric road systems. The study contributes to the TOE framework by reporting on the indirect effects of technological and organizational determinants on organizational intention to adopt technologies.
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