The Value of Innovation

Chapter 7Measuring Reaction and Perceived Value

Gram Vikas, which literally means “village development,” is a successful non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with rural communities in India and Africa. Gram Vikas partners with these communities to address their critical needs of education, health, safe drinking water, sanitation, livelihoods, and alternative energy in a manner that is sustainable, socially inclusive, gender equitable, and empowering. [1]

Founded by Joe Madiath, this NGO has a reputation for being innovative with their solutions. In a recent interview, the founder reflected on the need for a proper reaction to innovation.

“I think most of the innovations, because I took the initiative, I had an advantage. I happen to be the boss. The boss can innovate and fail. So there was the feeling, ‘OK, let Joe do it. Then if it fails, it would be he who fails.’ But it’s very, very difficult initially to cut through the resistance in the organization. For example, the first idea for a gravity flow. I asked my colleagues and the engineers to implement it. But they were not convinced and they would not do it. They said: You are wasting the organization’s money, which is a big challenge. So I said: OK, if it does not work, I will pay for the entire thing, I will slowly pay it back to the organization. At least on the moral ground, you cannot now refuse to work with me.” [2]

When the initial analysis is completed and the innovation project is positioned for success, ...