The Haier´s Tao of innovation: a case study of the emerging total innovation management (TIM)

This paper explores Haier group´s Tao of innovation mainly by the practice and experience of Haier Group. Based on it, the authors put forward the theoretical frame-work of the emerging new paradigm of total innovation management (TIM). Case in this leading Chinese enterprise has shown some exciting evidences that implementing TIM can have positive relations to the value creation/added of enterprise as well as the accumulation of its core competency. Beginning with the introduction of Haier´s development and achievements, this paper explores the Haier´s Tao of innovation in detail, which includes the evolution of all the innovation agents such as strategy, management, culture, organization, technology and so on, and analyzes the relations and interactions of them. Based on it, the authors indicate that it´s the effective and systemic synergy and management of all the innovation agents that contribute to the rapid development of Haier Group. Grasping the marrow of TIM and putting it into practice is one of the crucial approaches at present for Chinese enterprises to reduce the gap with international advanced enterprises as soon as possible.