"We tend to share Information..."
"We are open with the flow of information. Maybe we give away intellectrical capital, but there is a net benefit. It buys us friends. we are seen to be reputable even if a bit naive. But it means we have to keep innovating."
We adapt rather than invent. but our keenness on 'making do' and streaching the dollar can see problem-solving becoming an end in itself instead of being potentially a new proffit opportunity. We have plenty of new ideas. Its when money has to be poured in that risk aversion kicks in, so new ideas and innovations are often not fully commercialised and maximised. We favour cautious, affordable and manageable growth. Innovation and investment in new capacity tend to respond in small steps to changes in the enterprise's operational enviroment, rather than altering significantly in anticipation of new product or market opportunities.
"we come up with a lot of one-off solutions to solve a particular problem then leave it there. we dont have the focus or resources allocated to take these ideas further."
"Risk aversion is a killer. I like the compassionate nature of New Zealanders, yet this dosen't necessarily lead to a performance-driven culture."
- We tend to share information
Often companies make use of a tendency among people in New Zealand to share information and knowledge internally and even with clients and local peers. While this may be viewed by some industries as risky and allowing intellectual property to leak before it is capitalised on, we see sharing as a net positive.
"Do we tell everyone else too much? Possibly, but innovation has a short shelf-life anyway."
- We are mostly generalists but often discount the importance of specialists
The generalist or all-rounder still has an important place in New Zealand enterprises and can be critical to the competive advantage that is generated by being able to do more with less. But there is the potential for problems when
'can do' becomes 'make do'. I can report that at times the contribution and significance of the all-rounder received too much emphasis in our cultural values system, so the role and insight of the specialists is employed.
"Can-do and bravado is a defining quality of the company. There is an upside and downside to this."
- We like a bit of freedom and flexibility
Providing the freedom for people to do their work without imposing to many constraints is important to creating and innovative enviroment. We support innovation in our team by letting them try out different types of roles, and by offering and supporting ongoing education.
"We are very conscious of providing flexibility and opportunities."
"Innovation comes from passionate and dedicated staff who are set free to develop skills and take risks."