Organizational practices required for innovation: a study in an information technology company

Abstract:

This study aims to identify organizational practices required to generate innovation in an information technology company. The research investigated how the development of capabilities considered critical for activities related to innovation take place from both specific organizational characteristics and joint resources. Two structural practices for innovation were valuable: the development of technology and market targeting. The research had qualitative approach and was carried out through an exploratory and descriptive case study. The case was developed in the Softplan company, one of the largest system management companies in Brazil that develops softwares for building industry, infrastructure activities, transportation and construction works, judiciary system and general public administration. The company has over 1.500 customers in Brazil and abroad and maintains alliances with global technology suppliers and agreements with several universities, laboratories and research institutions, supported by research and development activities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with managers, along with documentary research and on-site observation. The analysis of the Softplan company showed incentives to creating and maintaining an organizational attitude favoring innovation as a routine process. Practices developed in organizational programs were identified aiming at creation and selection of ideas, acquisition of knowledge, and incentive to integration between professionals for emergence of organizational learning.

Keywords:
Innovation; Strategic capacity; Organizational practices; Information technology company