Supporting agile innovation and knowledge by managing human resource flexibility

Martinez-Sanchez, Angel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Vicente-Oliva, Silvia

Resumen: Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the implications of managing human resource (HR) flexibility and absorptive capacity (AC) of knowledge for the implementation of agile innovation methods in the new product development (NPD) process of manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve this, the authors have carried out a meta-analysis by defining first a research question that determines the design of bibliometric data and compilation. The study question is: How firms can support agile initiatives in innovation considering their HR flexibility and AC? The Web of Science Collection has been consulted in three steps with several search strings. The analysis of 161 references without duplicities in the period 1997–2021 provides the foundations for exploring the research question. Findings: The authors propose research hypotheses to analyze the interrelationship between HR flexibility, AC and agile innovation according to the literature-based discussion. The authors have identified and develop metrics to pilot the transition to agile that have been also adapted to specific innovation departures points before the transition. The authors also propose and discuss some organizational changes and practical guidelines to pilot transitions to agile that should be useful to the firm’s strategic decision of implementing the most adequate type of agile innovation. Originality/value: Even though flexibility and innovation are very important needs for many firms, agile schemes are still under-studied topics in the NPD of manufacturing firms. There are no specific studies in the literature that analyze the interrelationship between HR flexibility, AC and agile innovation, identifying common aspects and different approaches. Thus, this study is of original nature and the developed managerial tools, composed of metrics and organizational changes, will be useful to managers and permitted the authors to achieve the proposed goal. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1108/IJIS-11-2021-0200

Año: 2022

Publicado en: International Journal of Innovation Science 15, 3 (2022), 558-578
ISSN: 1757-2223

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 5.6 - Business, Management and Accounting (Q1) - Engineering (Q1)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.708 - Engineering (miscellaneous) (Q1) - Management of Technology and Innovation (Q2)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/S42-20R-CREVALOR

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Organización de Empresas (Dpto. Direcc.Organiza.Empresas)