The influence of organizational structure and culture on innovation capability of organizations: With the mediating role of strategic decision making process

There are various studies in literature that focus on relationships between organizational structure (OS), organizational culture (OC), strategic decision making process (SDMP) and innovation capability (IC) of organizations. However, they are mostly modeled in dyadic forms (between two concepts) and few can be found in triadic form. There is an opportunity to research the interaction of all four subjects in a single and more complex model with a special focus on the Turkish business context. This research, in particular, concentrates on how organizations can benefit from understanding basic dimensions of OS, OC, SDMP, and their influence on IC. In other words, what kind of organizational cause and effect relationships can facilitate organizational efforts to increase their IC? Does SDMP have a mediating role in a research model where OS and OC are conceived as the independent variables and IC as the dependent variable? This study intends to find answers to such questions and thus to increase the awareness of managers and other professionals about the key roles of these critical concepts and to make recommendations on how to adapt OS, OC, and SDMP effectively to achieve more successful innovation results. Based on the results, the study concludes that it is crucial to raise the awareness and degree of consciousness of these interrelations toward an increased IC. The findings can be beneficial for managers in understanding the influence of contextual factors and SDMP dimensions on IC. The shift into innovation focus requires creative ideas and solutions rather than existing and ready-made ones, therefore companies need to revise or renew their strategies for a structural and cultural change and a more effective decision making processes. An innovation oriented OS, OC and SDMP can attract the talent and improve the overall innovation capability and performance of any organization. Keywords: Organizational Structure, Organizational Culture, Strategic Decision Making Process, Innovation Capability