The Impact of Organizational Capital Investment on Employee Innovation in the Manufacturing Industry

By Dr. Hyacinth Nwachukwu

This study involved an exploration of the impact of organizational capital investment on employee innovation in the manufacturing industry. The overarching question was: Does organizational capital investment impact employee innovation in the manufacturing industry? Organizations tend to place much emphasis on how skill drives innovation, but not on how capital investment impact employee innovation. The research was guided using a qualitative phenomenological case study design to probe the impact of capital investment on employee innovation. Participants were selected through a convenience and purposive sampling method using the researchers personal professional network as well as the snowball method to seek participants from individuals referrals. Data collection involved personal interviews, audio recording, and note taking. The assumption was that employee innovation is not an option but a necessity, because organizations compete on global fronts for resources and market share. Consequently, capital investment in machinery and employee innovation becomes symbiotic in nature, not mutually exclusive. Results showed employee innovation can be impacted and enhanced through the acquisition and application of appropriate technological capital investment. The researcher recommends further research to ascertain whether the amount of organizational capital investment is proportional to the development of employee innovativeness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524607029

Dr. Hyacinth Nwachukwu

Dr. (Chief) Nwachukwu holds a Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Johns Hopkins University Teaching Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland; a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) in Economics and Finance from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania; a Master of Science in Transportation Engineering, specializing in Management & Planning from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. He began his PhD program in Energy Management and Policy Analysis at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia in 1986. After many years of family setbacks, he went back to Argosy University, Phoenix Arizona, where he successfully completed the entire course work with an overall 3.84 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale, and passed the Comprehensive Examination on August 30, 2014. Finally, he successfully finished and defended his Doctoral Dissertation on December 7, 2015. Dr. Nwachukwu received several awards for academics excellence. He is mentioned in “Who’s Who” Among Students in America. Professionally, Dr. (Chief) Nwachukwu worked as an accounting officer at the Leventis Motors, Limited, Kaduna Nigeria; Secretary to the General Manager of Northern Nigeria Textile Mills, Kaduna Nigeria prior to leaving for the United States on January 2, 1980. While in the States, he worked as Fiscal Assistant to the Comptroller of Finance and Research Assistant at the Center for Transportation Studies, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. He held several managerial positions. Currently, he works with the Knights of Columbus Insurance and Financial Investment Department as Field Agent/Benefits Adviser.

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© 2016 Hyacinth Nwachukwu. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 05/10/2016

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0703-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-0702-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016907284

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Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Chapter One Introduction

Problem Statement

Purpose of the Study

Research Questions

Limitations of the Study

Delimitations of the Study

Definitions of Terms

Capital Investment

Innovation

Intellectual Capital

Research and Development (R&D)

Return on Investment (ROI)

Structural Capital

Significance of the Study

Chapter Two Review of the Literature

Background of the Problem

Theoretical Foundation

Theories and Models Relating to Capital Investment and Innovation

Theory of Capital Investment

Theory of Human Innovation

Review of the Literature

Summary

Chapter Three Methodology

Research Questions

Research Methodology

Research Design

Population and Sample Selection

Instrumentation

Demographic questions (DQs)

Interview questions (IQs)

Follow-up questions (FQs).

Quality Criteria

Reliability and Validity

Data Collection Procedures

Procedure

Data Analysis Procedures

Ethical Considerations

Informed Consent

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Limitations of the Study

Delimitations of the Study

Summary

Potential Benefits of the Study

Participants

Professional Community

Chapter Four Results

Restatement of the Purpose

Restatement of the Problem

Summary of the Study Methodology

Study Design

Instrumentation

Participants

Participant Demographics

Research Sub Question 1

Interview question 1.

Interview question 4.

Interview question 5.

Research Sub Question 2

Research Sub Question 3

Summary

Success and Growth of the Economy

Enhanced Employee Retention

Job Satisfaction

Cost Reduction and Quality Improvement

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills

Absence of Bureaucratic Bottleneck and Overhead

Chapter Five Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Background of the Problem

Summary of Findings

Conclusions

Recommendation for Further Studies

References

Appendices

A. Interview Questions

B. Consent Form

Table of Tables

1.   RSQs vs. Interview Questions

2.   RSQs vs. Data Analysis

3.   Demographics of Participants

4.   Respondents’ Answers to Interview Question 1

5.   Respondents’ Answers to Interview Questions 4 and 5

6.   Respondents’ Answers to Interview Questions 6 and 7

THE IMPACT OF ORGANIZATIONAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT

ON EMPLOYEE INNOVATION IN THE MANUFACTURING

INDUSTRY

Abstract of Doctoral Dissertation Research

Submitted to the

Faculty of Argosy University, Phoenix Campus

In Partial Fulfillment of

the Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Business Administration

by

Hyacinth Umunnakwe Nwachukwu

Argosy University

December 2015

Matthew Kuofie, MBA, PhD

Richard Dool, PhD

Dale J. Mancini, PhD

Department: College of Business

Abstract

This study involved an exploration of the impact of organizational capital investment on employee innovation in the manufacturing industry. The overarching question was: Does organizational capital investment impact employee innovation in the manufacturing industry? Organizations tend to place much emphasis on how skill drives innovation, but not on how capital investment impact employee innovation. The research was guided using a qualitative phenomenological case study design to probe the impact of capital investment on employee innovation. Participants were selected through a convenience and purposive sampling method using the researcher’s personal professional network as well as the snowball method to seek participants from individuals’ referrals. Data collection involved personal interviews, audio recording, and note taking. The assumption was that employee innovation is not an option but a necessity, because organizations compete on global fronts for resources and market share. Consequently, capital investment in machinery and employee innovation becomes symbiotic in nature, not mutually exclusive. Results showed employee innovation can be impacted and enhanced through the acquisition and application of appropriate technological capital investment. The researcher recommends further research to ascertain whether the amount of organizational capital investment is proportional to the development of employee innovativeness.

Acknowledgements

The writing of this dissertation is the culmination of the researcher’s efforts that have been accumulating over a significant period of time. The end result of a doctoral program is the dissertation itself.

The responsibility of the research rests solely with the researcher. However, the product of this painstaking assignment must invariably be credited to some worthy individuals. It is important to mention here that I was extremely fortunate to have the competent and sympathetic assistance of my dissertation chairman and co-chairman in the persons of Dr. Matthews Kuofie and Dr. Richard Doo, respectively, who have diligently and didactically worked with me throughout the exhaustive period of this scholarly journey. For this reason, I say thanks to all of you!

I would also like to thank Dr. Dale Mancini, who served as my mentor and was instrumental in the selection of my dissertation topic; Dr. Peter Egwom, who served as my counsel in time of need; my editor, Amy Gralewski; and my financial and academic advisors, Anthony Memole and Jennifer Lee-Hooper, respectively, for their guidance.

My final thanks should go to my lovely wife, Lolo Regina N. Nwachukwu, who stood behind me all these years and provided both financial and moral support, but sometimes drove me crazy with her evangelical rhetoric; last, but not the least, my baby son, Victor Chizuru Nwachukwu, who served as my IT consultant, and my beloved daughter, Dr. Judith Eze-nwanyi Nwachukwu Anadu for her support. I sincerely remain grateful for their valuable contributions in making this dissertation task a success.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all my children: Ezenwanyi, Ikechukwu, Kelechi, Chimaroke, Uchenna and Chizuru (Enyinnaya), and to my grand-children, Kobichukwu (Uzodimma), and Kambi (Ada-nna-nna); lastly to my dear friends, Dr. Peter Onu and Sir Martins Nwamadi. These people helped in one way or the other in making my world more meaningful.

Chapter One

Introduction

The first chapter of any dissertation is considered the most critical as it is intended to give a clear view of the