Role of Leaders in Innovation and Creativity | Report

Reading Head: LEADING STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING
0
Management
March 24
2020

LEADING STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING 1
Contents
Part: B.........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Importance of Leaders................................................................................................................2
Type of leadership that Encourages Innovation.........................................................................4
Ways to Enable Innovation........................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................8

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Part: B
Introduction
Innovation is the main element and key to success for every organization. With the
changing time, the organization needs to adapt to those changes and act accordingly. Leaders
also play a very important role in the innovation and development of the organization. It also
argues that culture, policy, strategy, technology and other operations of the organization are
the tools by which that can drive organizational success. For effective implementation of
strategy in the organization, leaders must be active (Burkus, 2016). It is the responsibility of
the leaders that they must establish an environment that encourages innovation and creativity.
In this discussion, the role of leaders in innovation and creativity in the organization will be
discussed.
Importance of Leaders
It has been observed that strategy, policy, technology and other tools of the
organization helps the organization in gaining competitive advantage in the market. But for
that effective implementation of these tools is necessary. In this rapidly changing
environment needs and demands of consumers are changing rapidly and to fulfill that
organizations have to adapt changes and for that, there is a requirement of innovation and
creativity. The role of leaders is important in an organization as they help in the effective
implementation of those innovations (Llopis, 2014). Many organizations want to compete
with other organizations in the competitive market but for that also they will require leaders
as leadership is the basic concept through which they can be successful and gain profit.
Leaders of the organization are generally dependent upon the mission and vision of the
organization (Horth, 2014). They also help employees of the organization by directing them

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towards a particular direction. Therefore leaders are considered to be the person who can
manage the internal and external environment of the organization. They also help in
sustainable innovation and development in the organization (Philmckinney, 2016 ).
When an organization develops its strategy and planning process the leader will direct
and implement those policies effectively so that determined goals can be achieved. Some
elements contribute to the success of the organization. These factors are technology, culture,
strategy, and policy (Stangrecka, 2018). For implementing an effective innovation strategy in
the organization the organization needs to put forward the best leader so that innovations can
be successfully developed or initiated. It is the responsibility of leaders to motivate and boost
the confidence of their employees. The most important aspect of innovation is the interest of
leaders. If leaders want to initiate innovation in an organization then they will work with full
motivation and effort but it can also be vice versa. Leaders also have the power and authority
to develop strategies of innovation in the organization (Dodge, Dwyer, Witzerman, Neylon ,
& Taylor , 2017).
Many management experts have developed several policies and theories that are
related to the role of a leader in the organization. They also argue that effective culture,
strategy, and policy also help in the development and growth of the organization. It is not
always compulsory that only leadership can contribute to the development of innovation
(Cristina , 2013). There are many examples through which it can be shown that effective
culture can also help in initiating innovation in the organization. Organizations that have
ineffective leadership also results in constant restructuring and there are chances that they can
also face problems in solving organizational issues. Whereas Organizations with effective
leadership can easily adapt the changes and they will also be creative and effective. These
leaders are tending to run the organization more effective ad efficiently (Hasan, 2019)
(AGBOR , 2008).

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Even though there are fewer chances that without predetermined goals it is difficult to
implement effective leadership in the organization. There are also many leadership styles a
leader has to select a leadership style that will be effective in their organization. Leadership
style can influence the motivation of employees (Miller, 2018). According to research, it is
found that many problems and issues that are faced by the organization are the results of less
leadership style. This can also lack innovation in the organization. Leadership is the
foundation through which the company can maximize its profit and attract a large customer
base. Some changes can be done in a short period.
Type of leadership that Encourages Innovation
The leadership structure of the organization helps the organization in achieving
competitive advantage and it also enhances creativity and innovation in an organization. But
for implementing the strategy of innovation in the organization it is necessary to choose an
effective leadership style. Organizations that operate systemically i.e. they have authority,
hierarchy, and command. In an organization where leadership is not as effective there, an
organization selects leadership style that can enhance the leadership quality of its employees
(Scott, 2014). There are different models of leadership style. Heroic Model of Leadership was
popular in the 19th Century. Today also many organizations have adopted this model of
leadership for their effective management. This approach has fewer chances of bringing
innovation because it is assumed that a single leader may not be able to handle all these
changes. It is also known by management experts that a single individual cannot have all the
ideas and concepts of effective management. As a result, organizations will also not work
effectively. Since employees are also involved in it is also important to involve them in
innovations (Kesting, Ulhøi, Song, & Niu, 2016). This will affect their performance
positively and they will also help the organization in achieving desired goals. Leaders also

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help the organization in identifying opportunities that exist in the market. Innovations will
then be developed according to the needs and requirements of target customers (Baiya, 2017).
According to the 21st Century, it is been noticed that the needs and requirements of
people are changing rapidly. Therefore organizations today are dependent on the knowledge-
based approach. The experience of leaders also helps the organization in successfully
implementing innovation strategy and the development of the organization will also be
possible. The best way to initiate innovation in an organization is to add leadership.
Leadership also helps in providing training and as a result of that skills of innovation can be
developed in an individual (AGBOR , 2008).
Ways to Enable Innovation
There are certain ways through which leaders can foster implementation of innovation. It
is necessary for leaders to implement these steps in their leadership and these steps are as
follows:
1. Trust
Innovation is creating new products in an organization. Therefore it will break existing
rules and strategies that company has implemented. Innovation also requires support of
employees and they should be more creative and transparent from earlier. Trust is an
important key that can manage and coordinate employees of the organization. If employees
trust each their then only it is possible that they will work with coordination. Trust also helps
employee in following rules and they will also enhance their listening skills. New relations
will also be enhanced. With the help of trust leaders try to implement innovation in the
organization.
2. Collaboration

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Collaboration is the second key of innovation as without trust collaboration will also not
be possible. Collaboration is not only about working together instead it is about taking steps
of faith together and as a result of that new ways of thinking will be discover and it will also
results positively. Innovation is very uncertain as any idea can be proven helpful in that.
Innovations are always considered to be market influencers as they involve new and advance
technology and features. Innovation also leads to adaption of new process, technology,
workplace, packaging, product and many more.
3. Communication
Communication is the foremost element by which effective and efficient implementation
can be ensured. Communication helps in learning and creation of new and effective teams.
Communication manner also impacts the performance of employees as they will either get
motivated or demotivated. Communication also helps in setting a direction for team. This
team will help in implementing constant changes and future can also be determined.
Leader Encourages Innovation
For creativity that has to be implemented in the organization, there should be spirit
among employees and leaders. Leaders can be termed as motivators who can influence and
motivate employees of the company. Leaders can enable this by creating a friendly and
motivating environment in the organization. Leaders are expected to use their personal
experience so that they can create policies and strategies that can enhance creativity and
innovation. Organizational leaders should also respect and maintain the dignity of every
employee and the rules and policies of the organization (Makarov, 2018).
Top leaders must also encourage their team members or employees s that they can
also work with full enthusiasm. Needed changes should also be guided by those leaders. This
will also help the organization and its employees to face the challenges and opportunities that

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exist in the environment. Innovations and creativity are developed according to the
environment and prevailing situations of the environment (Johnson, 2014). Leaders can also
enhance and boost the morale of employees by encouraging creativity and innovating
dynamics people have in them. This means that leaders should engage themselves in all the
areas of the organization (AGBOR , 2008).
Conclusion
Leaders are an essential part of the organization as they help employees of the
organization. They also help in creating an organization a happy and satisfies place for its
employees. It is also the responsibility of leaders to solve the issue that is related to
organization and its employees. Innovation has also become a great aspect of the
organization. With the changing time needs and demands of people are changing to fulfil
those demands there is a need for innovation. Leaders are responsible to provide direction to
their employees so that they can also move in the right direction. Their efforts should also be
combined hen only it is possible to implement changes in the organization.
In this abstract importance of leaders in innovation are discussed and types of
leadership styles that can enhance and encourage innovation are also presented. It is also been
discussed that leaders encourage innovation in the organization. Leaders are considered to be
those people that can balance the environment of the organization with the external
environment of the market.

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References
AGBOR , E. (2008). Creativity and Innovation: The Leadership Dynamics. Journal of
Strategic Leadership, 1(1), 39-45.
Baiya, D. (2017, 12 29). 10 Things Effective Leaders Do to Encourage Innovation. Retrieved
03 27, 2020, from Success: https://www.success.com/10-things-effective-leaders-do-
to-encourage-innovation/
Burkus, D. (2016, 05 16). What is innovation? 15 experts share their innovation definition.
Retrieved 03 26, 2020, from Idea to Value:
https://www.ideatovalue.com/inno/nickskillicorn/2016/03/innovation-15-experts-
share-innovation-definition/
Cristina , V. (2013). THE IMPORTANCE OF AN INNOVATIVE LEADER IN THE
ORGANIZATION . Retrieved 03 27, 2020, from Economic euro:
http://steconomiceuoradea.ro/anale/volume/2013/n2/068.pdf
Dodge, R., Dwyer, J., Witzerman, S., Neylon , S., & Taylor , S. (2017). The Role of
Leadership in Innovation. Journal Reserach Techology Management, 60(3), 22-29.
Hasan, S. (2019, 08 30). 7 Leadership Theories You Should Learn to Become A Great
Leader. Retrieved 03 26, 2020, from TaskQue: https://blog.taskque.com/leadership-
theories/
Horth, D. (2014). Innovation Leadership. Retrieved 03 27, 2020, from Centre for creative
leadership:
https://www.ccl.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/InnovationLeadership.pdf

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Johnson, A. (2014, 07 14). How to encourage innovation among your employees. Retrieved
03 27, 2020, from The Business Journals :
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2014/07/how-to-
encourage-innovation-among-your-employees.html
Kesting, P., Ulhøi, J. P., Song, J. L., & Niu, H. (2016, 01). The impact of leadership styles on
innovation - a review. Retrieved 03 27, 2020, from Research Gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331866857_The_impact_of_leadership_styl
es_on_innovation_-_a_review
Llopis, G. (2014, 04 07). 5 Ways Leaders Enable Innovation In Their Teams. Retrieved 03
26, 2020, from Forbes : https://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2014/04/07/5-ways-
leaders-enable-innovation-in-their-teams/#33f6edda8c4c
Makarov, I. (2018, 08 30). 9 Ways Your Company Can Encourage Innovation. Retrieved 03
27, 2020, from Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/318584
Miller, L. (2018, 02 01). The Importance of Creative Leadership. Retrieved 03 27, 2020,
from Clutch : https://clutch.co/hr/resources/importance-of-creative-leadership
Philmckinney. (2016 , 05 26). The Importance of Leadership in Fostering Organizational
Innovation. Retrieved 03 26, 2020, from Philmckinney: https://philmckinney.com/the-
importance-of-leadership-in-fostering-organizational-innovation/
Scott, J. (2014, 12 17). The Leadership Style That Drives Innovation. Retrieved 03 27, 2020,
from Talent Culture: https://talentculture.com/the-leadership-style-that-drives-
innovation/
Stangrecka, H. B. (2018, 06). The Role of Leadership in Developing Innovative Potential.
Retrieved 03 27, 2020, from Research Gate:

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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325606690_The_Role_of_Leadership_in_D
eveloping_Innovative_Potential