2. Encouraging innovation through corporate culture

Innovation is positively linked to the following factors.

• Acceptance of ambiguity: an over-emphasis on objectivity and specificity can hinder creativity.

• Tolerance of unrealistic ideas: people who come up with unrealistic answers should not be sidelined; things that are unrealistic at first glance can sometimes lead to truly innovative solutions. Brainstorming sessions should take account of this prerequisite, so that employees can express themselves freely.

• Weak external controls: the application of rules, regulations and other such controls must remain minimal. This may be seen as antithetical to the need for strict, robust process control and detailed, cumbersome procedures when large, globally dispersed companies need to demonstrate consistency of operation.

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