The Intrapreneurial Teacher; How Organizational Behavior Impacts Innovation
Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to outline a conceptual framework in which to analyze the learning-teacher as future technological innovator. Entrepreneurial business and management studies are juxtaposed to institutional organizational theory and intrapreneurship. These “dreamers who do” are the innovative employees linking structural norms and individual goals (Pinchot, 1985). Educators can mimic similar intrapreneurial characteristics such as achievement motivation, risk-taking propensity, and proactive foresight to meet environmental demands while addressing their school’s technology needs. This paper is by no means a “how to” guide in establishing teacher supports guaranteed to drive technological innovation and nor does the research evaluate pre-existing intrapreneurial schools. Instead, the goal is to ignite discourse in order to to further explore a future teacher’s innovation capacity. Implications range from improving school-specific education programs, reanalyzing teacher preparation coursework, and enhancing opportunities for the teacher or school principal’s professional development while focusing on entrepreneurial attitudes through mentoring and intrapreneurial action.