Considering individual linear/nonlinear thinking style and innovative corporate culture

Purpose ‐ The purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of a balanced or versatile linear and nonlinear pattern of thinking style in contributing to effective innovative capability of individuals and their organizations. Design/methodology/approach ‐ The relationship between these individual thinking style dimensions and the development of an innovative corporate culture that encourages linear/nonlinear thinking style balance and versatility, and how their mutual interaction may contribute to successful innovation management within organizations are considered. Findings ‐ The paper discusses how organizational leaders and other employees through collective development to a balanced linear/nonlinear thinking style can develop a corporate culture that in turn is supportive of organizational innovation. Research limitations/implications ‐ Implications for future research on organizational innovation are discussed involving composition of organizational executives and work group members relative to linear/nonlinear thinking style. Practical implications ‐ Individual linear/nonlinear thinking style balanced skill development and the formation of a supportive and reinforcing organizational culture have important implications for developing organizational intrapreneurship and innovation in medium-sized and larger organizations leading to increased productivity. Originality/value ‐ This paper explores how the collective development of individual linear/nonlinear thinking style balance can contribute to a more supportive corporate culture for organizational innovation.