Champions of Product Innovations: Defining, Developing

Journal of Business Venturing 20 (2005) 641 – 661

Champions of product innovations: defining, developing, and validating a measure of champion behaviorB
Jane M. Howella,*, Christine M. Sheab,1, Christopher A. Higginsa,2 a Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 3K7 b The Whittemore School of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire, Durham,
NH 03824-3593, United States
Received 30 July 2002; received in revised form 30 June 2004; accepted 30 June 2004

Abstract
This research defined, developed, and validated a measure of champion behavior by collecting data from different samples in multiple stages. Using the act frequency method, a comprehensive set of 102 items reflective of champion behavior was developed based on a survey of middle managers and executives. Next, a different managerial sample rated the extent to which each of the 102 items was representative of champion behavior, and 29 were deemed to represent the core of the domain of championship. Finally, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the champion behavior measure, 47 product innovations in 13 firms were studied. Forty-seven nominated champions completed personality measures, 47 top division managers rated project performance, and 216 innovation team members rated champion behavior and leadership style. Results from principal components and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a 14-item champion behavior measure composed of three factors: expressing enthusiasm and confidence about the success of the innovation, persisting under adversity, and getting the right people involved. This measure showed acceptable reliability as well as convergent

B

This research investigation was generously supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Grant (# 410-98-0373) awarded to the first author.
* Corresponding author. Tel.: [phone]; fax: [phone].
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