Innovation and conformity: intersection of gender and ethnicity in hi-tech organizations

Abstract

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for analyzing preference for innovation of different groups of hi-tech workers according to their culture of origin and gender. Design/methodology/approach– A quantitative survey was conducted online among veteran Israelis, immigrants from North America, Western countries and immigrants from the Former Soviet Union employed in 60 different high-tech organizations. Findings– The paper developed the application of Bourdieu's concept of habitus, adopting it to migration research and to understanding preference of changes and innovativeness. The authors also developed a framework for analyzing the preference of innovation according to workers’ gender and culture of origin. Based on the Entrepreneurial Drive Theory regarding preference for innovation and nonconformity of Florin et al., the authors determined four dimensions characterizing innovativeness. Research limitations/implications– The limitation of this study was the relatively small number of participants interviewed. The paper focused on only two ethnic immigrant groups. Originality/value– The study should contribute to migration research, but also to social research on innovation. It can help understand what (and how) shapes innovativeness, both in the migratory processes and among the native population of the host country. Such understanding can contribute to encourage innovativeness resulting in economic development.