Abstract

ECHEVERRIA, Alejandro Vásquez; MELONO, Pablo; LEOPOLD, Luis  and  ZANELLI, José Carlos. Innovation: management, representations and mental models between managers of the information technology sector in Uruguay. Rev. Psicol., Organ. Trab. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.2, pp. 05-27. ISSN 1984-6657.

This research intended to identify representations, mental models and personnel management practices related to innovation management between managers of the IT sector in Montevideo. 39 subjects of 34 organizations took part. Methodological design was qualitative. For reaching validation two focus groups were carried out. Textual material was content-analyzed, and 8 categories were found: capacities for innovation, meaning of innovation, knowledge management, climate, communication, cultural features, leadership, work and innovation organization. Results show that managers' mental models draw heavily on innovation concept; despite they give it different meanings. We discus that innovation works as a social representation, with a central core composed by being a common value and a source of identity for the sector, and, as peripheral elements, the origins of capacities for innovation, work organization, etc. It can also be seen a low level of management of innovation, nevertheless, informal innovation management practices, of transitional kind, are taking place, opening interesting perspectives about the latent potential of the sector in this regard.

Keywords : management; innovation; social representations; mental models; information technology.

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