In Jon Gertner's article "True Innovation,"(Feb.25, 2012) he shows his thoughts about Bell Labs. The author first states that Bell Labs has presented lots of important innovation to the world. Then he talks about its chairman, Mervin Kelly, who uses his special ways to make Bell have an innovative environment. In the end, the writer says that many ways can lead to the creation, and he believes move fast is not the best way.
In my perspective, I do agree with Mr. Kelly's philosophy, especially at giving employees freedom. Because I believe the same as Mr. Kelly does that freedom is crucial, not only to all employees in that firm but results or profits that the firm pursues. In America, we value personnel feelings a lot so if employees cannot work in a fettered environment, they are less likely to spare no effort, which results in little probability that this firm is going to "break things", mentioned in the article. It is believed that every person thinks differently so employer's idea might be different from his/her employees, and--this is significant--sometimes employees' thoughts are much better than their boss's. Consequently, working with freedom can allow employees work in their own ways to yield better outcomes. I am not saying that staffs can do whatever they want; however, they can choose to work however they expect. We, if assume to be employers, are supposed to excite employees' enthusiasm. We should not presume everyone can work in the same way. It is normal that someone can work with great efficiency under no traditional working rules. I have to commit that factories may not implement bestowing freedom because factories are looking for products. For companies put importance on innovation, staffs having autonomy can be a good thing.
In sum, freeing people can free their mind so that they are able to get new ideas into real things, and this is what we call innovation and creation.
I agree with you that the freedom is a really important factor to motivate the researchers. The researchers, especially who have a high reputation in their own domains, would definitely pursue a free research environment. They dislike the limitations. That would like to pay their attention on what they really want to focus.
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