Enabling Innovation Topic for 3rd Leading Edge Consortium July 2007

Innovation is the focus for SIOP’s third annual Leading Edge Consortium, scheduled October 26–27 at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. Entitled “Enabling Innovation in Organizations: The Leading Edge,” the consortium will examine organizational structures, leadership styles, management practices, cultures, processes, and individual characteristics that help innovation flourish.

The consortium provides an intimate learning environment, with attendance limited to no more than 300 persons. Each presentation takes place in general session, a setting that fosters stimulating dialogue among colleagues. The consortium also features ample opportunity for attendees to network with presenters and other leaders in the I-O field. A popular feature of the event is the topical dinners where attendees can select from an assortment of area restaurants to sample the Kansas City cuisine and enjoy great discussion while enjoying the company of new and old friends.

Leaetta Hough, president of the Dunnette Group, is the general chair for the consortium. Michael Frese, chair of work and organizational psychology at Giessen University, Germany, is the science chair and William Mobley, professor of the China Europe International Business School, Shanghai, is the practice chair. Doug Reynolds, vice-president of assessment technology for DDI, is assisting the co-chairs in his role as chair of SIOP’s Visibility Committee.

“Innovation capacity is a hallmark of organizational effectiveness, and this year SIOP’s Leading Edge consortium showcases I-O psychology’s contributions to increasing and monitoring organizational innovation capacity,” said Hough. “This year’s consortium is shaping up to be one of our most exciting and memorable Leading Edge consortia. Some of SIOP’s best thinkers will be sharing insights from their research and interventions. Other leaders from around the world will be doing the same.”

“We will have speakers describe case studies that will showcase I-O interventions that have changed individual behavior and organizational climate to support innovation. Even demonstrations of such interventions are planned. Other speakers will describe techniques and metrics that can monitor and sustain the new behavior and climate.”

Ed Lawler, director of the Center for Effective Organizations and Distinguished Professor of Business at the University of Southern California, will open the consortium as keynote speaker. Lawler has been honored as a major contributor to theory, research, and practice in the fields of human resource management, compensation, organizational development, and organizational effectiveness. He has worked with many of the Fortune 500 firms as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations. Lawler is author of over 300 articles and 35 books, and his articles have appeared in leading academic journals as well as Fortune, Harvard Business Review, and leading newspapers.

Other confirmed presenters include Miriam Erez, Jim Farr, Jacob Goldenberg, Shaker Zahra, Mike Mumford, David Campbell and Jeremiah Lee. Please check the Leading Edge Consortium Web site (http://www.siop.org/lec/default.aspx) for the latest on the program, including a listing of speakers, titles and abstracts.

Here’s some of what you can expect:

A fresh look at the psychological variables that enable staffing for team and individual creativity
Sharing ideas on the role of leadership and top management, knowledge transfer, and climate/culture issues relative to innovation
Provocative ideas emerging from practice and research
Exploring the dark side of creativity and innovation, including how to alleviate the negatives
Effective strategies for introducing innovative ideas and products that make a difference

The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza is known for contemporary elegance and offers exceptional service, luxurious guest rooms, and an outstanding location. The hotel is just steps away one of the country’s premier shopping and dining areas, Country Club Plaza. The 15-block district includes more than 150 shops and dozens of fine restaurants. SIOP has been able to secure an exceptional room rate of $129 per night for the consortium.

Registration cost is $425 on or before August 29 and $495 thereafter. Consortium includes breaks, lunch on Friday and Saturday and receptions on Thursday and Friday evenings. Topical dinners are planned for Friday evening. You are encouraged to register promptly since seats are limited. To register, please go to http://www.siop.org/fallconsortium/.