Managing the innovative process: The dynamic role of leaders

Innovation has become increasingly important to the survival of organizations. Leaders must manage the process in a series of planning stages. These stages are qualitatively different and thus, have implications for what the leader must think about and do. The relevant leader cognition and social behaviors are discussed, as they must change throughout the process of planning for innovation. In order for leaders to effectively and efficiently manage innovation, they must be able to recognize and adapt to the varying requirements. Existing discrepancies in the literature may be resolved when considered within the context of these stages.