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Not If, But How CEOs Affect Product Innovation: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

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  • Pascal Back

    (University of Giessen, Department of Business Administration and Economics, Licher Strasse 62, 35394 Giessen, Germany)

  • Andreas Bausch

    (University of Giessen, Department of Business Administration and Economics, Licher Strasse 62, 35394 Giessen, Germany)

Abstract

While scholars have long emphasized the role of firms’ CEOs in shaping innovation outcomes, the question of underlying mechanisms remains widely unanswered. In light of this, we stress that the relationship between organizational aspects (e.g. resource allocation or culture) and product innovation should not mark the end of an intellectual quest. Instead, these enablers are also particularly contingent upon the corporate leaders. Based on 81 empirical studies, we reveal the impact of CEO characteristics (demographics, personality, and cognition) and leadership on firm-level variables that enable product innovation. Finally, we outline fruitful avenues for future research and provide managerial implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Pascal Back & Andreas Bausch, 2019. "Not If, But How CEOs Affect Product Innovation: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 16(03), pages 1-52, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijitmx:v:16:y:2019:i:03:n:s0219877019300015
    DOI: 10.1142/S0219877019300015
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    Cited by:

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    3. Sebastian Kruse & David Bendig & Malte Brettel, 2023. "How Does CEO Decision Style Influence Firm Performance? The Mediating Role of Speed and Innovativeness in New Product Development," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(5), pages 1205-1235, July.

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