Characteristics of technically progressive firms

This paper replicate and extend eight of Carter and Williams' findings in a study of innovation in the United States footwear industry by conducting the tests in a more rigorous fashion and calculating the independent relationships of each variable with technical progressiveness.

Abstract

Carter and Williams' study of the organizational and managerial characteristics of technically progressive firms remains one of the most frequently cited studies in this field. In this paper we replicate and extend eight of Carter and Williams' findings in a study of innovation in the United States footwear industry. We replicate Carter and Williams' tests but extend their results by conducting the tests in a more rigorous fashion and calculating the independent relationships of each variable with technical progressiveness. Because of the more rigorous methodology we can specify what aspects of their general concepts are related to technical progressiveness. Our results indicate strong relationships between technical progressiveness and (1) the technical expertise of the managerial staff; and (2) the openness of the formal inter-departmental communications structure. Carter and Williams' findings are supported insofar as their general concepts reflect aspects of these variables.