A constructively critical review of change and innovation-related concepts: towards conceptual and operational clarity. Issue 4 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Potočnik, Kristina; Anderson, Neil
• Is Part Of: European journal of work and organizational psychology. Volume 25:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: creativity -- innovation -- proactivity -- extra-role behaviour -- conceptual clarity; Psychology, Industrial -- Periodicals; Organizational behavior -- Periodicals; Personnel management -- Europe -- Periodicals; Work -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology, Industrial -- Periodicals; Work -- psychology -- Periodicals; 158.7
• DOI: 10.1080/1359432X.2016.1176022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-432X

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this paper is to examine and clarify the nomological network of change and innovation (CI)-related constructs. A literature review in this field revealed a number of interrelated constructs that have emerged over the last decades. We examine several such constructs—innovation, creativity, proactive behaviours, job crafting, voice, taking charge, personal initiative, submitting suggestions, and extra-role behaviours. Our conceptual analysis suggests each one of these constructs represents a specific component of CI-related behaviours. However, we also found that on occasion these concepts have been dysfunctionally operationalized with evidence of three dysfunctional effects: (a) construct confusion, (b) construct drift, and (c) construct contamination. Challenges for future research to enhance conceptual and operational clarity are discussed.