Antecedents, Consequences, and the Mediating Role of Organizational Innovation: Empirical Generalizations

This study uses emerging meta-analytic methods, in combination with structural equations methodology, to synthesize empirical studies and extend the understanding of relationships amongthe correlates (antecedents and/or outcomes) of innovation in organizations. this study draws upon a meta-analytic database of 155 independent samples from 108 studies from the period of 1970 through 2004. Specifically, the study examines the impact of 26 determinants and 3 performance outcomes of innovation with an overall sample size of 229,395. Organizational resources account for the majority of unique variance explained in predicting innovation generation. Overall findings indicate that innovation is significantly and positively related to superior performance. Additionally, a multivariate based generalized least squares (GLS) moderator analysis indicates that measurement factors and research design considerations in model specification significantly biases the observed effects within a given study. Using a dichotomous measure of innovation deflates observed effect sizes, while studying innovation cross-sectionally and within one industry sector inflates the observed effect. The findings also help resolve a number of conflicting results. Finally, this study tests an integrative model of product innovation and finds support for innovation as a mediator between environmental and organizational variables and financial performance. The study also identifies surpluses and shortages in the empirical literature on innovation.