Dangerous Champions of IT Innovation

Abstract

We define dangerous IT innovation champions, and explore evidence of their dangerous behavior, answering calls for studies of dysfunctional or ineffective innovation champions. An IT innovation champion – whether from the middle or high ranks of an organization -- is a self-appointed advocate of an emerging hardware, software or data innovation. The champion promotes their views both vertically and horizontally. In most prior studies, champions are seen as heroes who drive projects forward through strong advocacy and by marshaling resources. Yet, IT champions can also put projects or their organizations at financial, reputational or other risk. We reflect on dangerous high-level IT innovation champions revealed in field-based case studies, and discuss implications for research and practice.