Managing Innovation in a Bureaucracy: A Case Study,

Abstract

This study investigated the utility of the current Model Installation Program (MIP) as a tool for managing innovation within the Strategic Air Command and the Air Force. It looks at the central problems facing a program that promotes innovation within the military bureaucracy, and how MIP successfully circumvents certain risk-avoidance mechanisms inherent in the system it seeks to change. One hundred MIP submissions from Fairchild AFB, Washington were sampled. Each of these suggestions was tracked from the initial submission through final disposition. Results were tabulated and compared to program objectives, and shortfalls were explored via review of MIP procedures. The study concluded that the program is achieving its objectives in a manner unparalleled in Air Force history. MIP provides a fair evaluation and quick test of promising ideas-- even in the face of failure. However, it was noted that some changes could be made to improve participation, standardize procedures, and provide more insight into the disapproval process to facilitate more extensive analysis of program success. Four recommendations were formulated by the author based on the findings of the study.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180375

Entities

People

  • Mark R. Johnson

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Business Administration
  • California
  • Case Studies
  • Classification
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Instructors
  • Management Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design