Summary
Researchers must adeptly navigate a dual remit in organizations. The initial challenge involves delivering insights that matter. The subsequent task requires discerning the necessary adjustments the organization must undertake to effectively act upon those insights. In this presentation, we’ll talk about a model of change and a theory of power to enable researchers to embrace and fulfill their dual mission. It is at this intersection of meaning and action that research can impact lives.
Key Insights
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Research impact extends beyond immediate business outcomes; it shapes organizational culture and learning.
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A shift in mindset is necessary to understand the broader implications of research within organizations.
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Insights can help organizations interrogate their assumptions and realign with customer needs.
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Cultural biases within organizations can prevent the acceptance and utilization of valuable research findings.
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Building alliances and understanding the power dynamics in organizations is crucial for influencing change.
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Research must be communicated thoughtfully to have a lasting impact.
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Organizational design can be understood through various facets, including strategy, structure, and process.
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Double-loop learning allows organizations to reflect on their core beliefs and change course based on new insights.
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Risk takers in research must navigate the potential consequences of revealing uncomfortable truths.
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The role of researchers includes advocating for ethical standards and challenging cultural biases in organizations.
Notable Quotes
"Every time I turn around, I'm reading something new about research impact."
"We're really the only thing that we can control any of us is how quickly we learn and how we adapt based on that learning."
"The impact that you can have is much bigger than this quarter's results."
"We're bringing insights from out there in a dialogic model."
"Design is not how it looks. It's how it works."
"You may be putting yourself on the line, but trust your gut."
"A lot of impact is framed in terms of short-term results and what did you do this quarter?"
"It's important to be aware that you're often tasked with changing people's minds in a fast-paced environment."
"Organizations are designed, just like the products that you and I work on."
"How can we talk about who we are with this contrasting data from the outside?"
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