ABSTRACT
The emergence of innovations and their diffusion and application across the socio-economic spectrum have to a great extent been conditioned by prevailing modes of organisational structures and management styles. Contemporary society now owes its position in large measure to developments in science and technology over the years. In the Maghreb countries, the disrupting influencing of colonialism deprived society of the opportunity of independent development and sought instead to entrench a culture of inferiority complex and dependence. Negative self-evaluation has subsequently resulted in the emergence of a mentality of fatalism. The prevailing economic conditions in LDCs and the undervalued status of science education together reinforce the unfavourable behaviour and attitudes of society toward scientific research and innovation. At the level of the firm, the organisational structure inspired by Taylorism and by the bureaucratic hierarchy multiplies the barriers between the different categories of personnel, created by splits preventing the free flow of information, initiative and the systematic use of innovations.
