Temporal Orientation as a Robust Predictor of Innovation

This study investigates the relationship between societal temporal orientation and level of innovation. Previous studies linking culture to innovation have predominantly focused on individualism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and masculinity as determinants of innovation – overlooking temporal orientation. Utilizing theory from sociology and psychology, we elucidate temporal orientation as an important aspect of culture that can promote innovation. We hypothesize and find evidence for the effect of temporal orientation on three different stages of the innovation process. Results suggest temporal orientation dimensions of culture have important implications for innovation at the country level. Additionally, we find differences in effect between the temporal orientation conceptualizations of Hofstede and the GLOBE project. Our results provide evidence to strengthen theory regarding temporal orientation phenomena. Such implications are discussed along with future research directions.