Towards a deeper understanding of how champions influence the allocation of resources to innovation projects

Abstract

Previous research indicates that the presence of a champion in an innovation project increases the likelihood that firms will allocate resources to the innovation project. Relatively little is, however, known about how champions’ presence exactly influences resource allocation. A case study of two innovation projects in the construction industry was conducted to further explore this question. The findings suggest that it is not so much champions’ presence as such, but one of champions’ prototypical behaviours that influences firms’ willingness to allocate resources. Here we refer to champions’ expression of enthusiasm and confidence about the success of an innovation. Further, the findings suggests that the effect might be explained by the mediating role of firms’ expectations of the rate of adoption. Overall, the case study provides a step towards a deeper understanding of how champions induce firms to allocate resources to innovation projects.

Influence of Project Champions on Sustainability of Early Childhood Development Projects: Case of Baby-Friendly Community Initiative in Dagoretti North Constituency Nairobi County Kenya

“…The indicator had a mean of 4.3 and a standard deviation of 0.8 meaning that the participants were in agreement with the statement. This is in sync with (Rutten, Doree, & Halman, 2019), who posit that connections enable project champions to link well with service providers in the community hence enhancing service delivery. Which contributes to project sustainability.…”

“…This ability is supplemented by their ability to get the support of the right people in the community. Rutten, Doree & Halman (2019), state that the "ability to express ideas enthusiastically and confidently" gives project champions the Midas touch that is needed when calling on their extensive connections to support various phases of the project. Woodall, White & South (2012), agree that project champions help to keep projects thriving.…”

“…Partnerships formed need to be maintained and all stakeholders need to be pulled together to ensure the success of the project. At this point, (Rutten, Doree, & Halman, 2019), state that the project champions are the glue that sticks everything together without whom, "things would go south really first." (Wood, Cornforth, Beals, Taylor, & Tallon, 2018), established that projects that were championed were well position to advance and flourish in the community.…”

“…(Wood, Cornforth, Beals, Taylor, & Tallon, 2018), established that projects that were championed were well position to advance and flourish in the community. A study that looked at resource allocation to nongovernmental institutions concluded that projects with proactive champions received more funding both at the initial stage of funding and subsequently during project implementation (Rutten, Doree, & Halman, 2019).…”