Posted by Prac on November 02, 2002 at 16:02:29:

In Reply to: Event Based Approach posted by Boris Pluskowski on October 31, 2002 at 12:52:29:

Hi Boris

I had an idea. What if the risk sensitivity of contributors are assessed in order to prevent negative motivation emanating from the ideas process?

Another thought, who determines the value-add of the ideas? Why not let an "indpendant" employee panel decide the value, very much the same as a "peer" review process, or jury system. Who ensures justice (personal credit and awards) is meted out across the ideas framework, and what happens to employees whose ideas are not included in further development?

According to international copyright law, an idea belongs to an individual. Are employees requested to sign an agreement to cede this right to the organisation? Would this be regarded as ethical, especially if the organisation selects not to take action on the idea? Does the organisation return the ownership of the idea to the originator if they choose not to invest in it? Is there a restrict-of-trade clause on the idea?

As simple as idea management sounds, it opens up a Pandora's box of legal possibilities? One may focus on the methods and approaches and the technology, but forgetting about the macro environment people exist in would be a huge error. It seems common sense to ensure people are not "damaged" in any way via the idea management approach. Damage could be in the form of loss of self confidence, or a feeling that the intellectual property was not good enough. I think, one should think about this idea before one leaps into it. For those who have leapt, well, there always has to be early adopters to learn the lessons for the quick followers.

My thoughts are a result of having been part of an idea-management approach and having designed such a system myself. I have seen how it becomes yet another tool to remind employees of who actually holds sway over ideas in the organisation. A power trip perhaps? There is an old saying; "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Good intentions are simply not good enough. Show good faith by respecting the idea, and the originator, to the degree of erring on the side of caution.

Regards,

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