Innovation Climate in Military Organizations : A Multi-level Analysis of the Swedish Armed Forces

This study investigates the collective perception of the innovation climate (IOC) within the Swedish Armed Forces, focusing on employees' experiences across various organizational levels and military service branches. Utilizing an existing measurement instrument, developed for civilian contexts, the study explores its applicability in a military environment. The research examines how organizational factors and demographic variables (education and service length) influence perceptions of the innovation climate. By contextualizing findings within established theories on innovation climate, military culture, and organizational culture, the study contributes new insights into the variation of IOC within military organizations. The results aim to inform leadership practices, policy development, and organizational strategies, offering guidance on how to enhance the Armed Forces' adaptive capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment. This study addresses a key research gap by exploring innovation climate in a hierarchical, rule-bound context.