Innovation in elderly care organizations : process and attitudes.

A general model of the innovation process is proposed, using a participant- observation methodology to follow the development of innovations as they occur, and its implications for future research are outlined.

Abstract

The importance of innovation as an academic research field and for
\nsociety in general is stated, and existing definitions of the concept
\ndiscussed. A new definition is proposed emphasizing the social nature
\nof innovation and distinguishing it from creativity and non-innovative
\nchange. The innovation research literature is reviewed in relation to
\nthe two main approaches: 'antecedent factors' and 'process'.
\nConclusions from these reviews, and from a preliminary study of
\nexperiences of innovation, guide the design of the main research
\nprogram. Three field studies are described. The first, carried out in
\ntwo Homes for the Elderly, examines the sequence of the innovation
\nprocess, influences on it, and staff attitudes towards it. Data are
\ncollected through semi-structured interviews, incorporating verbally administered questionnaires. Findings regarding the effect of
\ninvolvement in the innovation process upon attitudes towards
\ninnovations are followed up in the second study, again in two Homes
\nfor the Elderly. A longitudinal questionnaire design is used. The
\nthird study is in a psycho-geriatric ward, using a participant
\nobservation methodology to follow the development of innovations as
\nthey occur. An overview of all the findings is presented in the final
\ndiscussion chapter. Three areas are highlighted. (1) Attitudes to
\ninnovation: the primary importance of involvement in change processes
\nis emphasized. (2) Influences on the innovation process: differences
\nin perceptions according to phase of the process, and between staff
\ngroups, are interpreted in terms of individual and group role in the
\nprocess. Possibilities of attributional bias are also raised. (3) The
\ndevelopment of the process: the problems in identifying discrete
\nstages are discussed and variations in the process for different
\ninnovation types are described. Building on these findings, especially
\nin the third area, a general model of the innovation process is
\nproposed. Its implications for future research are outlined.