ABSTRACT
Our research focus is on how storymaking affects employees’ behaviors in innovation initiatives. Through the action research and design science research paradigms, we have sought to also provide relevant managerial implications to engage employees in actual transformation projects.
This research has revealed many nuances in a design-driven dialog around a story. The four basic elements of the storymaking experience were intentionally designed to explore how to engage people while helping them in their transformation. Specifically, the four basic elements of (1) setting your direction, (2) starting with small, relevant, steps, (3) being critical, and (4) changing with someone else encouraged all participants to leverage what they learned from their transformation projects.
In summary, this study utilizes a hybrid research orientation that is embedded in Mode 2 research paradigm with the purpose of generating new knowledge that is impactful and relevant. Our research that used mostly Mode 2 research paradigm also integrated methods from Mode 1 paradigm focused on how storymaking informs transformation and reveals new perspectives on engaging employees in the midst of personal and organizational change. Our intention for the future is to broaden our observations with additional companies and deepen the insights with further data collection.
