8.1.6 Committed and supportive organisational climate

Perhaps the most important aspect of all in determining successful product development is the organisational climate. Historically, this has received relatively little attention in the product development literature and yet it has the potential to have the greatest impact on product development outcomes. Climate includes:

     clarity of direction;

     management commitment;

     team commitment;

     flexibility;

     standards;

     rewards.

The decision making by top management at the beginning and throughout the project must be timely and based on knowledge; from this the project management and the team need to see clear directions which are not changed without further knowledge and discussion.