HR-Survey > Employee Opinion > Dimensions

Survey Questions: Innovation

Definition: Innovation is a dynamic process where colleagues create and develop new solutions by viewing problems from different perspectives, find and seek ways to improve the department. It thrives in an environment that supports and promotes continuous improvement, empowers and incentivizes employees to experiment without fear, challenges current processes, and recognizes ingenuity, flexibility, and analytical problem-solving that drive meaningful change. Through disruptive innovation, thoughtful implementation, and collaboration, employees are provided guidance, share information, receive training and resources, and are rewarded for fostering transformative ideas that reshape systems and create value.

Surveys Measuring Innovation:
Example 1 (5-point scale; numbers; NA)
Example 2 (7-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 3 (4-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 5 (5-point scale; words)
Example 6 (Pulse Survey)
Example 7 (5-point scale; item comments)
Example 8 (3-point scale; words; N/A)
Example 9 (4-point scale; numbers)
Example 10 (Comment boxes only)
Example 11 (Single rating per dimension)
Example 12 (Slide-bar scale)

Creates and Develops

Creates and Develops focuses on actively generating and constructing new solutions, methods, and products. This dimension highlights developing innovative technologies, building new approaches to business challenges, improving existing processes, and leveraging data to support fresh ideas. It prioritizes creation and execution, ensuring innovation results in tangible advancements.

My coworkers generate innovative and practical ideas and approaches.
To drive innovation, we use external resources identified through a competitive selection process to ensure the most effective experts are used
I am aware of innovative technologies that we may want to utilize at the company
I know how to generate alternative solutions to problems and challenges.
My team creates new and efficient processes.
Team members create improved methods or solutions for meeting goals and objectives.
Supervisors create innovative solutions to critical problems facing the company.
I listen to customer feedback and incorporate their ideas into the procedures used here
Team members create new products or services.
I have access to tools and technologies that enhance my ability to innovate
My division develops new products and services.
I am aware of innovative technologies that we may want to begin using in the department
Colleagues develop effective solutions for viewing problems from a different point of view.
Employees in my department create new ways of doing routine tasks.
Our department develops innovative products or services.
The project manager creates innovative products or services.
Our team creates new programs and systems.
People in My Department are very innovative
I subscribe to industry magazines and newsletters to stay aware of the latest innovations in our industry
Colleagues develop several approach or solutions to a problem.
I am aware of some of the innovative things done by other companies
The supervisor creates new and imaginative approaches to work-related issues.
My manager creates innovative methods of developing business opportunities.
I have access to technology and tools that can be used to create innovative solutions to problems
Working with other departments can be the catalyst for innovative ideas
I can generate innovative and practical solutions.
I am aware of innovative technologies that we may want to incorporate into our workplace
Innovative solutions that we create are supported by data and analytics

Finds and Seeks

Finds and Seeks emphasizes actively searching for opportunities to innovate by exploring new possibilities and adopting emerging trends. This dimension centers on seeking inspiration from external sources, identifying ways to improve processes, experimenting with different approaches, and adapting to evolving environments. It prioritizes exploration and discovery, ensuring that organizations remain ahead of the curve by identifying valuable innovations.

My manager helps to identify and create value from innovation.
Our team finds creative ways to get things done with limited resources.
The team leader seeks new ideas and adapts to changing environments.
The project manager looks for ways that the company can make profit that are different from how competitors operate.
Coworkers look for opportunities to apply new and evolving technologies.
Our team looks for new ways of doing things.
I enjoy experimenting with procedures to find the best way of doing things
The Company is innovative in developing new ways to serve our customers.
Colleagues seek innovative ways to change, grow, and improve the department.
Employees search for opportunities and innovative ways to improve the organization.
My department seeks innovative ways to change, grow, and improve the company.
Senior executives look beyond company for new ideas and innovative approaches.
My supervisor identifies and encourages innovative approaches to cultivate a forward-thinking environment that fosters continuous improvement and growth.

My Manager

My manager is able to adapt to new and innovative procedures
My manager views setbacks as opportunities to innovate in other ways
My supervisor understands my area of responsibility and expertise
My manager understands the value of attending industry conferences--exposure to innovations by other companies
My Supervisor looks for new and better ways of doing things
My manager addresses cultural issues that may inhibit innovative thinking

Solves Problems

Solves Problems focuses on using innovation to find effective solutions for specific issues and operational inefficiencies. This dimension highlights implementing best practices, identifying fresh approaches, taking calculated risks, and optimizing alternative solutions. It prioritizes problem-solving and efficiency, ensuring organizations continuously evolve by addressing challenges in innovative ways.

Leaders take risk to advance important ideas.
Managers implement best practice within the department.
My manager determines how much risk the company is willing to take in implementing innovations to the products and services.
Leaders improve and make systems more efficient.
The project manager takes risks that often yield rewards.
The members of my team take risks to reach beyond boundaries.
My manager identifies fresh approaches to solving problems.
Supervisors identify the opportunities created by innovations.
Our department maximizes the alternative solutions to problems.
Supervisors solve problems with insight and understanding.
Supervisors implement best practice methods within the company.
My department uses innovation to solve urgent specific problems.

Supportive

Supportive focuses on providing resources, backing, and an open environment where employees feel safe to explore innovation without fear of failure. This dimension highlights leadership's commitment to innovation, ensuring employees' ideas are considered, empowering them with resources, and fostering a culture where creativity is valued. It prioritizes reinforcement and infrastructure, ensuring employees have the right conditions to confidently develop new concepts.

My ideas and suggestions are accepted and considered
Our company fosters an environment of innovation and creativity
I feel that innovation could be encouraged more, allowing employees to experiment and explore new ideas without fear of repercussions if their innovations are not successful
Our manager fosters a creative and dynamic work environment where employees feel empowered to contribute to the company's growth and success
My Supervisor supports me in developing new products
My manager supports my innovative ideas to problems
The company supports the innovative processes developed by employees
Our manager creates an environment that supports innovation
My innovative ideas are accepted and considered
Managers foster a culture of creativity and value the positive impact of new ideas within the organization
Our team fosters an environment that supports innovation
Leadership at the company supports innovative ideas of employees
The team leader actively supports and welcomes innovative ideas from team members
My manager supports our efforts to incorporate the latest technological advancements
My ideas and suggestions are given adequate consideration
The team leader supports our innovative ideas
Senior leadership provides the necessary support and resources to empower employees to develop and implement innovative ideas.
The corporate culture fosters an innovative and dynamic work environment where employees feel valued and heard
My manager supports my efforts to experiment with better ways of doing things here

Challenges Current Processes

Challenges Current Processes emphasizes rethinking and questioning existing workflows, procedures, and assumptions to drive change and improvement. This dimension centers on simplifying bureaucratic hurdles, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, facilitating brainstorming, and offering new alternatives to outdated processes. It prioritizes critical thinking and transformation, ensuring organizations remain adaptable and open to refining existing systems.

My manager challenges assumptions about the way things work.
Our division encourages managers to "think outside the box".
The department head facilitates networking events or brainstorming sessions where employees can share insights and inspirations.
Our department offers innovative solutions to company problems.
Managers simplify process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that might stifle creativity and innovation.
My team leader challenges current procedures to develop other alternatives.
I am often asked how different processes could be improved.
The company challenges current procedures / processes to develop new solutions.
Our team encourages a diverse range of ideas and perspectives to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives.
I can challenge existing work processes/products to enhance value.
Supervisors offer solutions to problems when talking with clients.

Encourages

Encourages emphasizes motivating employees to actively engage in innovation by promoting creative thinking and inspiring them to take initiative. This dimension centers on recognizing ingenuity, fostering a forward-thinking mindset, urging employees to generate solutions, and cultivating a proactive approach to problem-solving. It prioritizes motivation and inspiration, ensuring employees feel empowered to contribute new ideas and approaches.

I receive encouragement from my supervisor to be innovative
The company encourages innovative ideas from employees
Staff are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with ideas to enhance work processes
Our department encourages innovative ideas from employees.
I feel I receive support and encouragement to be creative and innovative
My manager encourages us to create innovative solutions
I am encouraged to offer suggestions for improvements.
My manager encourages and supports innovative thinking to create a more dynamic and efficient work environment
Employees in my department are encouraged to be innovative
Employee ingenuity is encouraged as a key focus of our department.
Empower employees to innovate by fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking
Employees in my department are encouraged to create innovative solutions to problems
My manager encourages innovative thinking among the employees
The company actively identifies and encourages innovative approaches to cultivate a forward-thinking environment that fosters continuous improvement and growth
We embrace and nurture creative ideas from our staff
My manager encourages innovative thinking in our department
My Supervisor encourages innovative ideas

Incentives

Incentives focuses on offering tangible rewards, such as financial benefits or structured incentives, to motivate employees to develop and implement innovative ideas. This dimension highlights formal incentives for innovation, fostering a culture where creativity is actively encouraged through compensation, and using rewards as a way to drive engagement in forward-thinking initiatives. It prioritizes motivation through structured rewards, ensuring employees see direct benefits from their innovative contributions.

Our department should offer incentives for new ideas
Innovative ideas from employees are rapidly implemented in the department
We should foster and value creative ideas by providing financial rewards
The department should encourage innovative ideas with incentives
My department offers incentives for innovative ideas
The department acknowledges and incentivizes innovative efforts to motivate employees and cultivate a more creative and dynamic work environment
Our department rewards employees that are innovative
Our department should encourage and appreciate innovative ideas by offering incentives
Departments that are innovative are rewarded for their efforts

Implementation

Implementation focuses on putting innovative ideas into practice and ensuring their successful adoption across teams and processes. This dimension highlights integrating new procedures, refining workflows, seeking employee input before major changes, and ensuring innovations receive broad organizational support. It prioritizes execution and efficiency, making sure that creative concepts are effectively implemented rather than just discussed.

Cross-training is used to broaden employee skillsets and foster collaboration and innovation across different functions within the organization
Successful implementation of innovative ideas receives broad support at the organization.
Innovative ideas from employees are rapidly implemented in the company
Our department is able to integrate new and innovative procedures
My team looks for ways to change processes to improve productivity
Before making a major change, my supervisor will ask for input from those affected
The company encourages innovation by implementing our creative ideas.
Our department regularly implements innovative ideas from employees.
The company is successful when implementing innovative processes
My department successfully implements innovative processes

Analytical

My team leader analyzes the competitive environment to determine where innovation would have the greatest impact.
My division establishes systems of continuous improvement.
Senior executives audit the company's innovation effectiveness.
My supervisor establishes measurable innovation goals and regularly track progress to maintain focus and momentum.
My manager analyzes current procedures and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Our department establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) for innovation.
Leaders review the strategic risk associated with innovation.
Coworkers in my department are able to think through complex problems using unique solutions.

Recognition

Recognition emphasizes acknowledging and celebrating employees for their creative contributions, fostering appreciation for innovation without necessarily providing material rewards. This dimension centers on valuing employees' ideas, offering praise for their contributions, and reinforcing a culture where innovation is respected and celebrated. It prioritizes appreciation and visibility, ensuring employees feel their ideas are valued, whether or not they receive formal incentives.

My innovative ideas are recognized and rewarded
Employees are recognized for their innovative ideas
Employees are rewarded for sharing their ideas and suggestions
The department recognizes innovative ideas with financial awards
The Company recognizes and rewards innovative employees
Our team values and fosters innovative contributions from all employees.

Flexible

Flexible focuses on refining and adjusting innovative ideas to align with strategic objectives, market demands, and practical feasibility. This dimension highlights the ability to adapt strategies, optimize innovation based on feedback, fine-tune concepts for effectiveness, and ensure new initiatives remain viable in changing environments. It prioritizes iteration and responsiveness, making sure innovation evolves smoothly rather than disrupting existing operations.

The company optimizes the innovation process by incorporating feedback and lessons learned from previous experiences.
Managers fine-tune innovative strategies to maximize resource utilization and achieve desired outcomes.
I am able to experiment and take risks to try new things
My supervisor adapts innovative solutions to fit the organizational context and resources for greater effectiveness.
The supervisor enhances the feasibility and impact of new ideas through careful analysis and iterative improvements.
Employees at the company show flexibility and willingness to adapt to new approach and changing market conditions.
Associates transform raw ideas into actionable plan with a higher likelihood of successful implementation.
Our department adjusts creative approaches to ensure they meet both short-term and long-term business goals.
The Company is making the changes necessary to compete effectively
I can modify innovative initiatives to capitalize on strengths and mitigate potential risks.
My supervisor customizes novel ideas to better address customer needs and preferences.
The project manager optimizes innovative ideas for maximum success.
My team refines and tailors innovative concepts to better align with strategic objectives and market demands.

Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive Innovation emphasizes radically shifting business models, industry standards, and conventional approaches to create groundbreaking advancements. This dimension centers on challenging the status quo, embracing unconventional strategies, transforming processes, and pursuing innovation that redefines market expectations. It prioritizes bold transformation and market leadership, ensuring companies take risks to develop ideas that fundamentally change industries.

My team utilizes disruptive innovation to help managers transform conventional business models, making products and services more accessible and affordable.
My team encourages a search for radical innovation opportunities to obtain major breakthroughs.
The project lead champions disruptive innovations to open new market opportunities and redefine industry standards.
My coworkers leverage disruptive innovation to enhance simplicity and convenience, meeting the changing need of their customers.
My manager encourages disruptive innovation allowing managers to identify and seize opportunities that traditional approaches might overlook.
Coworkers in my department play a pivotal role in fostering an environment where radical innovation can flourish and lead to major breakthroughs.
Leaders promote disruptive innovation empowering managers to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible.
My supervisor embraces disruptive strategies enabling the organization to create groundbreaking advancements that outpace competitors.
My supervisor uses unconventional approaches to solve problems.
The members of my team prioritize disruptive innovation to achieve substantial growth and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
The members of my team keep an open mind towards innovative concepts ensuring managers are continuously exploring potential growth avenues.
Colleagues foster a culture of disruptive innovation to drive significant market shift and create unparalleled value for customers.
Supervisors advocate for disruptive innovation to ensure the department remain agile and responsive to evolving market demands.
Our department is aware of disruptive trends in our industry

Supports and Promotes

Supports and Promotes focuses on actively fostering an environment that encourages innovation and providing structured support for creative ideas. This dimension highlights leadership's commitment to innovation, creating frameworks to enable creativity, ensuring employees feel safe to take risks, and championing new approaches across all levels. It prioritizes structured encouragement and advocacy, ensuring innovation is embedded into the organization's culture and promoted as a strategic advantage.

Team members support innovation at all level of the organization.
Our manager encourages innovation from all levels of employees.
My team fosters a culture of creativity and curiosity by actively listening to and considering new ideas and opportunities.
My manager champions changes within the organization.
Senior executives support changes to the standard way of doing things.
The company has a strong commitment to innovation.
Coworkers in my department value diverse opinions among team members.
The supervisor creates a framework to support innovation.
My team promotes innovation as an opportunity to gain competitive advantages in the marketplace.
The project lead serves as an effective innovative champion.
Our department fosters a creative and dynamic work environment where employees feel empowered to contribute to the company's growth and success.
I am able to implement the creative ideas of employees.
My department dedicates time for employees to develop and implement new ideas to enhance creativity and progress within the organization
The Company supports innovative processes developed by employees
Associates foster continuous improvement processes.
Employees foster a creative and innovative work environment.
My division encourages employees to consider opportunities to innovate processes and products.
Senior executives ensure that employees feel safe to take risk and experiment without the fear of failure or retribution.

Willing and Receptive

Willing and Receptive emphasizes having an open-minded attitude toward innovation and being adaptable to new ideas and unconventional approaches. This dimension centers on embracing change, encouraging employees to experiment, investigating new possibilities, and fostering a culture that welcomes diverse perspectives. It prioritizes flexibility and curiosity, ensuring individuals and teams are always open to exploring fresh solutions and evolving with industry trends.

Team members are willing to entertain and experiment with new ideas leading to potential breakthrough innovations and competitive advantages.
Colleagues understand that innovation requires doing things differently.
My manager facilitates acceptance of new ideas.
My manager embraces innovation as a way to improve how we do things.
Supervisors are effective in bringing up new ideas.
The supervisor is receptive to fresh ideas and unconventional approach to stay ahead of a rapidly changing market.
My department fosters an innovative and dynamic work environment where employees feel valued and heard.
In our department, we embrace innovation as a way to improve how we do things.
My supervisor focuses on bottom-up innovative efforts.
My department is open to innovative ideas.
My coworkers are not afraid to think outside the box when dealing with issues.
The project leader embraces an open-minded approach allowing managers to discover and promote innovative solutions that drive business success.
My team investigates all types of innovations.

Empowers and Incentivizes

Empowers and Incentivizes emphasizes motivating employees to contribute innovative ideas by fostering a supportive environment and offering rewards for their creativity. This dimension centers on encouraging experimentation, recognizing and celebrating achievements, providing necessary resources, and offering incentives to inspire innovation. It prioritizes engagement and encouragement, ensuring employees feel empowered to take creative risks that drive meaningful advancements.

Managers recognize and reward employees that are innovative.
Supervisors empower employees with the technical skills essential for driving innovation and achieving strategic goals.
Managers provide the necessary support and resources to empower employees to develop and implement innovative ideas.
Leaders encourage others to experiment and learn from their mistake without fear of retribution.
Our department celebrates innovative achievements publicly to motivate others and reinforce the importance of innovation.
My division assigns responsibilities to individuals for creating innovative ideas/products.
The department dedicates time and resources for innovation to empower employees to think creatively and contribute to the company's growth and success
Supervisors empower employees to create innovative solutions to problems.
Supervisors provide incentives for employees who contribute innovative ideas and successfully implement them.
Our team allows employees to dedicate time and resources for innovation to empower them to think creatively and contribute to the department's growth and success.

Coordinates and Focuses

The project lead coordinates the activities of the innovation steering committee.
Employees in my department focus on creating new value for our products/services.
The project manager focuses the team on important innovations.
The department head focuses innovation on the core products or services offered.
Colleagues pursue innovative approaches to the current policies and procedures.

Training and Resources

Training and Resources focuses on equipping employees with the necessary tools, technologies, and knowledge to engage in innovation effectively. This dimension highlights professional development programs, technical skill-building, industry exposure, and dedicated funding to support innovative projects. It prioritizes education and capacity-building, ensuring employees have the competencies and resources required to generate creative solutions.

I am able to equip employees with the necessary tools, technologies, and resources to explore new ideas.
Leaders offer continuous learning opportunities to enhance technical skills and innovative thinking.
Our manager funds innovation efforts to ensure their success.
My team leader prioritizes technical skill development among employees to foster a culture of innovation and creativity.
Colleagues ensure the workforce maintains cutting-edge technical competencies to support continuous innovation and growth.
The company improves innovation through training and courses.
Employees in my department allocate time and resources specifically for innovation projects, allowing employees to dedicate efforts to exploring new opportunities.
The project manager guarantees that team members are equipped with the technical expertise needed to excel in innovative projects.
The members of my team ensure employees possess the necessary technical competencies to engage in innovation.
Our department offers sufficient training and courses on innovation
Attending industry conferences helps expose me to innovations by other companies
My team facilitates ongoing technical training and development to enable employees to contribute to innovative solutions.
Our department uses training and professional development (for ALL employees) to help support innovation.

Provides Guidance

Provides Guidance emphasizes directing, advising, and structuring the innovation process to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement. This dimension centers on leadership-driven focus areas, strategic direction, constructive feedback, and resource allocation strategies to optimize innovation efforts. It prioritizes leadership and execution, making sure ideas are supported through mentorship and clear organizational goals.

Leaders guide the department's innovation focus.
My department suggests ways to improve processes and systems.
I look for creative ways to conserve our supplies/resources
Leaders help focus the department on innovation.
My division sets company-wide innovation performance targets and goals.
Employees follow through and implement innovation initiatives.
The members of my team offer constructive improvements to existing systems.
Supervisors establish priorities and allocate resources to support innovation.

Shares Information

Leaders create a safe environment for idea-sharing.
The project manager cultivates a culture of open communication where all ideas, no matter how unconventional, are welcomed and valued.
Leaders improve on ideas of others.
Coworkers in my department participate in cross-functional innovation teams.
Associates share innovative ideas with others.
Employees at the company encourage open communication to ensure that all proposals are considered.
Team members promote collaboration across different departments to combine varied perspectives and expertise, which can spark innovative ideas.
My supervisor builds upon the ideas and solutions of others.
Our manager suggests new ideas at meetings.