An Innovation Culture enables the highest levels of human performance, enhancing our ability to think, listen, learn, relate, and collaborate in order to create value for the organization in constantly evolving environments. It fosters new ideas, promotes divergent to convergent thinking, and creates space for experimentation and action.
An Innovation Culture at the University of Virginia will ensure continuous improvement, allow big ideas to propel the University forward, and keep the University relevant amid a shifting higher education landscape and the digital revolution.
Based on research and a New Smart framework developed by Ed Hess, these are the three foundational constructs of innovation culture:
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Idea Meritocracy - everyone's point of view is valued; the best ideas win based on data, irrespective of who generated the idea
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Psychological Safety - safety for interpersonal risk-taking that enables people to speak truth to power and to challenge others' thinking
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Self-Determination Theory - intrinsic motivation based on autonomy, relatedness, and competence; feeling of being accepted and respected as a unique human being.
OUTCOMES
The scope of the project included the following:
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Assessment of the existing culture at UVA using a pan-University diagnostic survey of faculty and staff
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Analysis of gaps between the current culture and an innovative culture
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Proposal of data-driven recommendations on how to effect culture change and move UVA towards a culture of innovation
TIMELINE
Winter 2019 - Project Planning and Survey Development
Spring 2019 - Survey Administration and Analysis
Summer/Fall 2019 - Develop Recommendations and Action Plan and Share with President and Senior Leaders
SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS
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Kimberley Bassett, associate dean of African American affairs, Office of African-American Affairs
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Mary Brackett, senior associate, Office of Organizational Excellence
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Sarah Collie, associate vice president for Organizational Excellence
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Ben Hays, university building official, Office of the Senior Vice President for Operations
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Terry Hanlon, doctoral intern, Office of Organizational Excellence
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Edward D. Hess, professor of business administration and Batten Fellow, Darden Graduate School of Business
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Denise Hubbard, program director for economic development, Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
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Jenny Mays, managing director for the Virginia Film Festival, Provost's Office
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Nina Morris, sustainability outreach and engagement manager, Facilities Management
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Ellen Rozan, director of global programs, McIntire School of Commerce
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Steve Swanson, senior business analyst/project manager, University of Virginia Physicians Group