Do policies limit the creative tendencies of leaders?

I have to believe they could. The policies must be aligned to the strategic plan, which leaders must support. If creativity produces an idea which could provide a competitive advantage to the business, a leader must lobby to either alter or adopt a different strategic plan which will spur the creation of another supporting policy.

How can an organization establish policies yet still foster creativity and innovation?

The organization must be adaptable to change, and quickly. Therefore policies must be able to support changes, and in an efficient and effective way. Having this approach to guiding polices will continue to support the business changing requirements to keep the business on a competitive course.

Are policies and procedures viewed in different capacities by leaders of different waves of change?

Of course… As an example a leader from the industrial change wave will be interested in the capacity of control and continuous improvement. A leader from the judgment wave looks at the principles and impact of policies and procedures.

Why is cultural understanding essential in establishing knowledge management within an organization?

Culture will have different methods and preferences for using and managing knowledge. Therefore an understanding of what methods are supported (even preferred) by a cultural environment will facilitate the process of knowledge management.

How do the more rapidly changing effects impact the culture of organizations?

An organization must be able to accept change and do so as rapidly as possible. Nothing is constant but “change” itself. Continual process improvement must span all parts of the organization in order to be responsive to both external and internal change. If the culture understands change is for the good…. Then there would be less resistance when it comes.

Is it necessary for the culture of an organization to keep pace with the rapid changes?

Definitely… our case study on Lexington Labs is an excellent example where the earlier culture generated admirable sales numbers. When changes in the regulation and selections of drugs changed, Lexington Labs did not make the necessary organizational changes to support the changing environment. In fact the CEO even noted how their major competitor Cutler used a team approach to sales and they were very successful. Sounds like time for a new CEO who is awake.