This report is a literature review of the characteristics of innovative people and how they spur growth. 

Key findings:

• The most common personality trait associated with innovation is openness to experience. Conscientiousness is found to be a negative predictor of innovation.

• Motivation is likely to be the most important predictor of innovative working. Management style significantly influences employee motivation to innovate.

• Leaders play a decisive role in fostering and nurturing innovation within organisations. 

• In order to attract talented individuals likely to innovate, organisations must acknowledge their reputation for innovation, develop strong employer brands and develop the existing culture to be consistent with the values of innovative employees. 

Innovation is critical for organisational long-term prosperity and growth, particularly in dynamic markets. Given the current economic turbulence and increasing global competition, an organisation’s ability to innovate is regarded not only as vital for success, but often a requisite for mere survival.

This literature review aims to develop an integrative framework to understand the characteristics and behaviours of innovative people in organisations.

Authors:
Professor Fiona Patterson, Dr Máire Kerrin and Geraldine Gatto-Roissard