<p> <b>Purpose.</b> The purpose of the mixed methods study was to identify and describe the extent to which individual or team workspace contributes to innovation in an organizational setting as perceived by knowledge workers in California. In addition, the purpose was to identify stimulators and barriers in the physical workspace on innovation. A literature review revealed the importance of creativity and innovation in organizations. Gaps in the literature between workspace and innovation were examined and perspectives on the combination of workspace design and innovation were assessed. </p><p> <b>Methodology.</b> This mixed-method research design combined two methods, surveys and interviews, in a sequential manner. First, the quantitative component (surveys) was administered via a 53- question online survey. The results of the quantitative survey guided the qualitative interviews by prioritizing data and themes. The population for the study included full-time knowledge workers in California. </p><p> <b>Findings:</b> Respondents identified core dimensions within the Situational Outlook Questionnaire that led to innovation and creativity in the workspace environment. To further expand respondents acknowledged individual and team workspace factors that led to more innovative outcomes. Within the individual workspace technology surfaced as a primary driver of innovation. When asked about team workspace respondents were more constructive indicating concern over noise and interruptions. Additionally, the study asked about stimulators and barriers to innovation within the workspace. Stimulators included placement of staff within close proximity to key team members, design that encourages trust, and inspiring décor that awakens creativity. Lastly, barriers to innovation in the workspace included status quo mentality, decreasing square footage from individual workspace, and concerns with open space design. </p><p> <b>Recommendations for Action:</b> The author offers several recommendations for action including: optimize the right level of playfulness to drive innovation; avoid workspace fads and focus on workspace intent; add pulse surveys about employee workspace to drive design strategies that compliment innovation objectives; consider new ways of assigning space by giving thought to the requirements for the worker instead of seniority within an organization; adopt policies to reduce noise and utilize space more purposefully; lastly, the researcher introduces a new model to use when planning workspace that drives innovation.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3702901 |
| Date | 21 July 2015 |
| Creators | Blakey, Jennifer D. |
| Publisher | Brandman University |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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