Following the Rules to Drive Innovation: A Resource Conservation and Allocation Model of Work Standardization and Innovation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Following the Rules to Drive Innovation

T2 - A Resource Conservation and Allocation Model of Work Standardization and Innovation

AU - Verwaeren, Bart

AU - Nijstad, Bernard

PY - 2025/8

Y1 - 2025/8

N2 - Despite the established benefits of standardization, such as safety, reliability, and efficiency, its impact on creativity and innovation remains contentious, with existing research showing both detrimental and beneficial effects. This study proposes that the relationship between standardization of work and team innovation depends on the distinction between the generation and implementation of creative ideas. This study argues that standardization's benefits, through resource conservation, will mainly benefit the implementation of ideas. Further, it proposes that these beneficial effects of standardization hinge on the organization's explicit valuation and reward of innovation, shaping the allocation of conserved resources. The investigation utilizes a multilevel field data set (N = 119 teams) and an experimental approach (N = 81 teams) to examine how standardization and rewards for innovation moderate the relationship between team creativity and innovation outcomes. The findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted role of standard work procedures and rewards in fostering team innovation, arguing that these effects should be considered within the context of resource conservation and allocation.

AB - Despite the established benefits of standardization, such as safety, reliability, and efficiency, its impact on creativity and innovation remains contentious, with existing research showing both detrimental and beneficial effects. This study proposes that the relationship between standardization of work and team innovation depends on the distinction between the generation and implementation of creative ideas. This study argues that standardization's benefits, through resource conservation, will mainly benefit the implementation of ideas. Further, it proposes that these beneficial effects of standardization hinge on the organization's explicit valuation and reward of innovation, shaping the allocation of conserved resources. The investigation utilizes a multilevel field data set (N = 119 teams) and an experimental approach (N = 81 teams) to examine how standardization and rewards for innovation moderate the relationship between team creativity and innovation outcomes. The findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted role of standard work procedures and rewards in fostering team innovation, arguing that these effects should be considered within the context of resource conservation and allocation.

KW - Creativity

KW - Innovation

KW - Work Standardization

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85212306889

U2 - 10.1007/s10869-024-10001-8

DO - 10.1007/s10869-024-10001-8

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0889-3268

VL - 40

SP - 977

EP - 993

JO - Journal of Business and Psychology

JF - Journal of Business and Psychology

IS - 4

ER -