The impact of digital technology on the generation and implementation of creative ideas in the workplace

Abstract

This article discusses a variety of ways that digital technology can enhance innovation by facilitating the conditions necessary for the development of employees’ creative ideas and the implementation of these ideas in organizations. We begin by arguing that three conditions are necessary if employees are to generate creative ideas: access and exposure to new and diverse information, full engagement in the work role, and the experience of socioemotional or instrumental support. We posit that the implementation of employees’ creative ideas requires the mobilization of support and sponsorship of the ideas from credible allies. We then discuss the possibility that digital technology shapes the creativity of ideas generated by employees and the implementation of these ideas by influencing each of these conditions. We conclude with a discussion of some possible risks of digital technology use and some suggestions for several new directions for future research.