Abstract:
Grit – passion and perseverance for long-term goals – has been empirically shown to be a
positive predictor of success across multiple contexts. The current study developed a new
framework of grit within a framework of self-regulatory behaviours. Here, a qualitative
approach was assumed to obtain interview data from chief innovation officers and chief
information officers within technologically intensive industries. Empirical evidence was used
to inductively determine the underlying cognitive-affective processing that influences gritty
behaviour. Overall, six strategies were identified: temporal perspective, perpetual evaluation,
motivational orientation, strength and resource gathering, system thinking and framing.
Organisations may utilise the grit model developed here to enhance the grittiness of their
innovation leaders by building effective cognitive-affective strategies.
