Dr. Silburn S Clarke | The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Silburn S Clarke

This paper is a brief treatise on various knowledge perspectives based on a review of the literat... more This paper is a brief treatise on various knowledge perspectives based on a review of the literature. It begins by examining the epistemological foundations of knowledge. Paper then situates knowledge within the individual, examines theories that explain the socialization and collectivization of knowledge from the individual to the firm, review the role of knowledge in the firm's search for competitive advantage and finally examine knowledge at the macroeconomic level

I extend sincere appreciation to my field research team organisation including Ms. Sonia Jackson ... more I extend sincere appreciation to my field research team organisation including Ms. Sonia Jackson former Director General of STATIN, who kindly facilitated access to the knowledge, learnings, and expertise of the STATIN Electronic Data Collection System (eDACS) technology group and platform led by Dr. Howard Hamilton, Ms. Tannecia Blackwood, Ms. Marsha South and Mr. Boyd Goodin. Special thanks to the screening and sampling team including Mr. Stuart Brown (STATIN), Ms. Phillipa Davies and the Balcostics team. To the field interviewing team, which, for purposes of the Jamaica study, was temporarily integrated into STATIN's eDACS processes and operations, led by Mr. Luwayne Thomas (Balcostics team leader), Ms. Abi-Gaye White (logistics coordinator),

Evolution of Caribbean Business Thought, 2023

Draft Chapter to upcoming book Firm innovation is said to be dynamically shaped by two main drive... more Draft Chapter to upcoming book
Firm innovation is said to be dynamically shaped by two main drivers; external forces and internal forces (Grazzi, Pietrobelli, and Szirmai 2015). External forces refer to those macro public policy, institutional, legislative and administrative actions that define the common overarching environment that impact innovations in all firms. On the other hand, internal forces speak to the under-the-hood micro-foundational actions of the firm’s leadership and management including, among other things, managerial decision-making on allocation of resources and capabilities; identification, recruitment, development and retention of quality talent; market exploration, penetration and exploitation; devising strategies and actions for continuous operational improvements; designing and executing cross-functional communication; smart goal-setting and target setting; and optimizing efficient and effective financing schemes and models. Drawing on the recent WEF GCI 2018-2019 survey and a recent study on management quality in Jamaican firms, the Chapter examines the impact of these two forces on economies globally

Research for Development, 2019

The late Professor Sumantra Ghoshal in speaking on the sociology of the workplace to the World Ec... more The late Professor Sumantra Ghoshal in speaking on the sociology of the workplace to the World Economic Forum in Davos, coined the phrase “The Smell of the Place” to communicate that a sense of the prevailing atmosphere, mood and culture of a workspace could be “smelled” the moment one opened and entered through the firm’s front door. Metaphorically, he opined, the organisation could either smell like “pine forests of Fontainebleau in spring” or like “garbage heaps in downtown Calcutta in summer”. The differences in these outcomes, he asserted, were primarily due to the quality of management in the organisations; an argument first made with his collaborator Profesor Christopher Bartlett. More significantly, writing earlier, University of the West Indies (UWI) scholars Professor Carl Stone and Ken Carter had made similar assertions in 1982 and 1997 respectively based on research in Jamaican work organisations which found quality of management to be the most significant factor associated with a range of employee work behaviours. In around the same period, the generalised human theory of Self-Determination, of Professors Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, linked the influence of the signals and behaviours of "higher-ranked" persons on the range of motivations of "lower-ranked" others and tested the theory in new and interesting scenarios. (eg parent-child; coach-athlete; pastor-laity; teacher-student; politician-voter) establishing the framework for explaining motivation, choice, and well-being in new rich and diverse contexts. From these foundations, Self-Determination Theory much later found novel potential applications in the dynamics of the social environments of workplaces, testing the influence that managers/supervisors ("higher-ranks") had on the motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), persistence, creativity and innovation of employees ("lower-ranks"). The present quantitative research uncovers and specifies the type of relationship between management quality and the motivation, innovative behaviour and innovative output of workers. 241 employees in 53 business units were interviewed. The results indicate that quality of management has a significant causal association with the intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, innovative behaviour and innovative output of employees. The study concludes that employees are motivated to work innovatively where managers ensure that “The Smell of the Place” that they create in the work environment, is perceived as being pleasant, and not abhorent, by said employees. In terms of relevance and potential application in the Jamaican context, Jamaican firms have historically exhibited very low performances in innovation and productivity, however, through higher management quality the study suggests that these metrics can potentially be improved significantly. The implications for practice and policy are explicated.

ABSTRACT The Caribbean is a region of huge untapped and unrealised opportunities. Over the past f... more ABSTRACT The Caribbean is a region of huge untapped and unrealised opportunities. Over the past fifty years, however, the region has not been able to secure the levels of economic growth rates and human development that its potential demands. One factor has been its scant attention to matters of innovation in the business, academic and government spheres. The chapter explores this conundrum and comes away with recommendations for changing future outcomes and, ultimately, fortunes.

This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summ... more This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summarises the first six months of deliberations by this Committee of the Labour Market Reform Commission. The paper presents the top three priority recommendations from the TIPC&amp;#39;s five Working Groups viz; Labour Market Information System; Public Sector Efficiency; National Systems of Innovation; Small &amp;amp; Medium Enterprises; and Human Factors in the Workplace. The purpose of the Discussion Paper is to serve as a vehicle for consultations, debate and fine-tuning of these initial recommendations of the TIPC.

ABSTRACT The level of land titling penetration in Jamaica is low and as a direct consequence the ... more ABSTRACT The level of land titling penetration in Jamaica is low and as a direct consequence the ability of property assets to securitize economic activities is severely constrained. This paper describes an innovative business model for rapidly producing quality property boundary identification and title descriptions. The business model included a novel approach to the human resourcing for land titling, legislative reform, the widespread deployment of satellite and aerial imagery technology, global navigation satellite systems for high accuracy positon fixing, low-cost boundary measurement technology, geographic information systems. The project successfully delivered 21,415 parcels over a 29 months period; a historic performance in the English-speaking Caribbean.

ABSTRACT In opening the 2009 – 2010 Budget Debate the Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance opine... more ABSTRACT In opening the 2009 – 2010 Budget Debate the Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance opined that " The core structural deficiencies in our economy have existed for decades and many are indeed homegrown " The Jamaica Computer Society strongly shares the view of the Minister of Finance that there are pre-existing core structural deficiencies in our economy that cause certain of the economic mis-behaviours which we persistently experience as a country. However, the JCS is of the view that the recent tax on ICT equipment is not one which will support the national thrust to power our way out of the present challenges which confront us nor support the emergence of strong competitive pillars to undergird our economy. The core structural deficiencies alluded to by the Minister, limits our room for manoeuvre and hamper our ability to adjust rapidly. The globe is currently building out what is termed the Knowledge Economy and on its way in the future to what some observers have already termed a " Wisdom Economy ". The pillars of a modern knowledge economy are ICT, an educated e-skilled populace and a culture, ambiance and environment conducive to creativity, innovation and risk-taking (Stahle, 2007). However, a significant percentage of Jamaica's economy is organised around the previous agricultural and industrial ages. The overarching challenge for this generation of national leadership is how to move the local economy into a fighting fit and competitive state for successful participation in the present knowledge economy and beyond. ICT is a critical factor in that success. The taxation policy of the country is one of the levers to help this transition and in that regard we encourage the Honourable Minister to relook at his recently proposed tax on ICT equipment. Taxation Principles Like most Jamaicans we would hope that the following principles guide our tax implementation measures; a. Tax what you want to discourage and incentivise what you want to encourage b. Shift the incidence of taxation from targeting economic assets on the front-end in preference to the harvesting of taxes from the fruits of the economic activity generated by those economic assets on the back-end c. Ensure that the taxation policy is equitable; a principle repeatedly enunciated by the Finance Minister These are the acid tests. The taxation policy must enhance the strategic value and direction of our current national vision. Despite the huge challenges of these times, the policy cannot undermine or reverse it. Further, it cannot be applied as a broad brush, but must rather be strategic, surgical and targeted. The question to ponder ; " Is this going to help or hinder our short term and long term capacity to power ourselves out of the crisis " A fair and equitable tax will reinforce and enhance the first two principles. If the interpretation of " equity " is to mean taxing equally economic boosters and economic retardants, producers and consumers, exporters and importers, savers and spendrifts, star industries and dying industries, small firms and large firms, small salary earners and large salary earners, with the same broad brush, then we submit that a further level of granularity is still needed in the study and application of tax policy and implementation.

An examination of the various human and intellectual factors faciltating micro, small and medium ... more An examination of the various human and intellectual factors faciltating micro, small and medium businesses to transit into the global marketspace. What is the role of knowledge, persistence, innovation, mindsets, confidence, creativity, behaviour and attitudes among others.

The following paper is a brief treatise on various knowledge perspectives based on a review of th... more The following paper is a brief treatise on various knowledge perspectives based on a review of the literature. We begin by examining the epistemological foundations of knowledge. We then situate knowledge within the individual, examine theories that explain the socialization and collectivization of knowledge from the individual to the firm, review the role of knowledge in the firm’s search for competitive advantage and finally examine knowledge at the macro-economic level

The use of ICT has grown and changes with increasing rapidity. Its adoption can be related to not... more The use of ICT has grown and changes with increasing rapidity. Its adoption can be related to not only multinationals corporations, but also SMEs (Maguire et. al., 2007). ICT is seen as being critically important to the financial wellbeing of all organizations, and SMEs are able to use it to operate successfully in the global market place (Maguire et. al., 2007).

The advent of satellite positioning technology has led to a change in the physical realisation of... more The advent of satellite positioning technology has led to a change in the physical realisation of geodetic control. Traditional survey monumentation is being replaced or enhanced with active GPS control that can provide data to users in a number of ways. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago upgraded its national geodetic infrastructure by installing a network of five active GPS reference stations across the islands. The system is designed to deliver data to users through cellular telephone service and the world wide web. A follow-on phase in 2007 will construct a MSK radio beacon service sited in the centre of the country. These new services are designed to enhance the quality of survey data that is acquired in the region, and to provide broad access to the use of modern technology to land surveyors, mappers, utility companies, academia and the various members of the wider position-fixing community. Local datum issues arise when integrating information acquired under the new techno...

The objective of the conference was to explore, uncover and impart a deeper understanding of appl... more The objective of the conference was to explore, uncover and impart a deeper understanding of applied strategies for enhancing the competitiveness of Jamaican firms, society and economy for successful participation in the Global Knowledge Economy, in support of Jamaica’s national development; and more generally, the transformation of the economy of the Caribbean region from low-cost, natural-resource-based to an innovation-driven powerhouse. Immense interest had been expressed in this very important and timely topic, by a variety of sectors, firms, trade unions and members of academia and the media, as the country continues the debate on growth strategies, grounded in our yet untapped unique human potential. The issues and policies related to two critical knowledge economy pillars, education and innovation, and the nexus between both, provided the capacity and capability for powerful and important synergies. The role of knowledge management and knowledge management systems and their ...

This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summ... more This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summarises the first six months of deliberations by this Committee of the Labour Market Reform Commission. The paper presents the top three priority recommendations from the TIPC's five Working Groups viz; Labour Market Information System; Public Sector Efficiency; National Systems of Innovation; Small & Medium Enterprises; and Human Factors in the Workplace. The purpose of the Discussion Paper is to serve as a vehicle for consultations, debate and fine-tuning of these initial recommendations of the TIPC.

Evolution of Caribbean Business Thought, 2023

Research for Development, 2019

This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summ... more This initial Discussion Paper of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (TIPC) summarises the first six months of deliberations by this Committee of the Labour Market Reform Commission. The paper presents the top three priority recommendations from the TIPC's five Working Groups viz; Labour Market Information System; Public Sector Efficiency; National Systems of Innovation; Small & Medium Enterprises; and Human Factors in the Workplace. The purpose of the Discussion Paper is to serve as a vehicle for consultations, debate and fine-tuning of these initial recommendations of the TIPC.

Call to arms for SME's to drive growth and development agenda

This presentation examines the contribution of the human and intellectual capital dimensions of f... more This presentation examines the contribution of the human and intellectual capital dimensions of firms and, individuals in firms, in facilitating small and medium enterprises to enter the competitive global marketspaces. The intersection of mindset, motivation, persistence, confidence with innovation, productivity, entrepreneurship, strategy and competitiveness is critical for assuring global success

Report on a quick diagnostic of the IT-based services industry in Jamaica which was conducted by ... more Report on a quick diagnostic of the IT-based services industry in Jamaica which was conducted by leveraging the Location Readiness Index (LRI) - a modeling tool developed by the World Bank in partnership with McKinsey & Co. designed to help countries identify existing gaps and weaknesses and allow policy makers to prioritize the areas that are more important for increasing the overall location attractiveness of a country. The primary criteria that were evaluated for the LRI assessment were: (i) Talent Pool Availability; (ii) Cost Structure; (iii) Quality of Infrastructure; (iv) Key Risks; (v) Overall Environment; and (vi) Sector Maturity. Study conducted with the collaboration of the Jamaica Computer Society

Innovation refers to the introduction of a new idea, method or device. While the terms innovation... more Innovation refers to the introduction of a new idea, method or device. While the terms innovation and creativity are often used interchangeably, it is creativity at the individual level that generates the product ideas that are necessary for firm-level innovation (Oldham & Cummings, 1996). This perspective is shared by Caribbean policy-makers who assert that improvement in firm-level and national-level innovation, productivity and competitiveness is dependent on a new development model based on the potential output that would emanate from higher forms of human capital (PIOJ, 2009; World Bank, 2011). This new model posits that the realization of higher value-added production and exports requires the nurturing of individual mindsets and a culture favourable to innovation (Vision 2030, PIOJ, 2009). Employee creativity is therefore a critical and necessary, but not sufficient, antecedent to firm-level innovation. The concepts of innovation, creativity and ICT innovation-led economic growth, was presented and debated in a presentation-panel-hybrid, with speakers from government, international financial institutions, academia and private sector.

What is development in the context of an emerging economy such as Jamaica's and how can the activ... more What is development in the context of an emerging economy such as Jamaica's and how can the activities of firms be coupled to this approach ? Many theories abound. This conceptual paper builds a case that development can only truly be measured as the improvement of the human capabilities of the populace. In a multi-level conceptual approach woven around individuals, their role in firms and their impact on societal development , the paper adopts the measure of development from the Human Capabilities Approach of Amartya Sen and positions this as the measure of the output of firms ; it uses the self-determination theories of Ryan and Deci to explain the motivations of individuals ; ties the Ghoshal and Bartlet Organisational Models to demonstrate that leadership drives motives, engagement and commitment thereby resulting in organisational ambidexterity

This article appeared in the Jamaica Gleaner on April 2009. A very strong case was argued for Exp... more This article appeared in the Jamaica Gleaner on April 2009. A very strong case was argued for Expert Inflation Management specifically, implementation of an Inflation Targeting regime. The article pointed out that the Bank of Jamaica mandate expressedly excluded "price stability" as an objective.
However, all things being equal; were inflation to be reduced to single digits, the article argued, then interest rates and forex rates would moderate and fall to modest levels.
Businesses and the ordinary citizens were being severely penalised by high rates but would florish in a low inflation environment.
Article laid full responsibility for a high inflation regime on "the institutions, systems and processes responsible for managing and driving down inflation" and insisted that they were "clearly doing a dismally poor job."

An examination of the nexus between firm leadership, innovation (employee and firm-levels), firm ... more An examination of the nexus between firm leadership, innovation (employee and firm-levels), firm productivity and firm competitiveness as it relates to firms generally but SME's in particular.

UWI SB9006 Strategic Use of Information & Communications Technologies, 2010

The recommendations in the report are mandated to be sustainable, evidence-based, implementable a... more The recommendations in the report are mandated to be sustainable, evidence-based, implementable and dynamic. All recommendations are also aligned with Vision 2030, which is used as a basis for guiding principles: “Jamaica’s transformation must have people at the centre of its development and have equity, social cohesion and partnership at its foundation” (E. Emmanuel, NEPA). Developing human resources is the nation’s first priority. The ethical imperative also cannot be ignored as an underpinning theme of this report. Additionally, the current report does not use the terms “labour” or its derivatives, except when referencing other documents. A paradigm shift is needed in how the Government speaks and thinks about citizens and their productivity. We instead use the terms “employee” and its derivatives and the “talent pool”, to describe individuals who engage in producing.

Before many of the more specific ‘hows’ can be put into action, a strategy for creating a shared vision that things can be and must be better must be devised. Cynicism, mistrust, hopelessness, helplessness, individual self-seeking etc. must all be dealt with upfront and directly. An infection of positivity in attitude and approach to national development and productivity is urgently needed. Additionally, resources, especially dedicated talent, must be identified to implement the ‘hows’. Giving persons additional work without resources will not bring the desired results. This current HFWG report also recognizes that change agents and champions must be identified and empowered to lead the charge for each initiative. These agents must be competent in their fields of expertise, but also skilled in collaborating, visioning, coordinating, planning, analysis, team building, problem solving and should be trustworthy, with high levels of integrity. They must also be skilled at monitoring and evaluation of programmes. Successes, failures and areas for improvement must be systematically traceable.

The call for innovation initiatives to be a significant contributor to social and economic transf... more The call for innovation initiatives to be a significant contributor to social and economic transformation of developing economies has been the topic of many discussions for decades. Within the development trajectory of a country, innovation initiatives can become the basis for sustained economic growth and social capital development.

The basis for growth in innovation initiatives within the context of a developing country, recognizes the importance of knowledge stock accumulation, human and social capital development, the transfer, and diffusion of innovative technologies as real factors contributing to a country’s ability to attain sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

Some factors used to determine levels of both innovation and innovation capacity within a nation include the following:

1. The development of a work-force equipped with appropriate competencies to design, develop and implement innovative initiatives with strong economic value-added. This requires technical manpower engaged in science and engineering activities for the design of products and services with robust value propositions.

2. Investing in research and development (R&D) for pillar sectors as a demonstration of commitment to long term growth in the sectors identified for economic growth. Countries namely, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea are a few countries that have emerged as leaders in the innovation ecosystem and have maintained a minimum standard of approximately 3% of GDP to their national R&D agenda. For Jamaica R&D is only 0.03% of our national budget.

3. Accounting for the number of patents awarded and technical publications targeting innovation initiatives. This factor is a major indicator of a country’s competitiveness and the maturity of its science and technology programs. This measure is also indicative of the number and nature of commercialized innovations.

These factors have a major influence on a country’s level of productivity and its global competitiveness.

Labour Market Information Systems serves as a single window that provides all information regardi... more Labour Market Information Systems serves as a single window that provides all information regarding labour market and which has capability to collect, evaluate and disseminate labour market information to all the stakeholders. It contains qualitative and quantitative information and it collects, analyzes and disseminates information that assists and empowers its stakeholder for correct planning, selection and decision making related to education, career, business requirements, training programs, job search, hiring, government policy and investment strategies.

The identification of Labour Market issues critically rests on the availability of data, information and analysis. Labour Market information and analysis provide the essential basis for Employment and Labour Policy and informs the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies that are better focused and targeted in the dynamic market place.

This document reviews Jamaica’s Labour Market Information Systems and provides insights on gaps and to suggest changes needed so that the LMIS can remain useful, effective and relevant to all stakeholders.
The findings of the review shows that there is a need to strengthen the collection, analysis and publishing of labour market information and intelligence.

While the dynamics of the local labour market are undoubtedly complex, it is clear that governmen... more While the dynamics of the local labour market are undoubtedly complex, it is clear that government has a major influence on its reform through the decisions it takes and its day to day operations. These include:

• Introducing (or amending) policies and laws that are directly related to the governance of the labour market
• As the largest national employer, creating demand for future skills in the market by transforming itself to become an efficient, modern workplace
• Creating the required culture, incentives, platform and frameworks that will cause the required shift in local capabilities to support necessary reform in the context of the global, digital society.

The focus of the Public Sector Productivity Working Group (PSPWG) has been to analyze these key government activities with emphasis on levels of innovation and technology adoption, and make recommendations that would meaningfully contribute to the reform of the labour market and public sector productivity.

The existential threat to the Jamaican society, economy, way of life and civilization is our fail... more The existential threat to the Jamaican society, economy, way of life and civilization is our failure to successfully and sustainably grow our GDP and so increase national prosperity for our citizens and subsequently equitably distribute prosperity gains throughout the society. A review of the evolution of global industrial development suggest that Jamaica may be struggling on the periphery of the global economy due to its historic failure to assert its stake in the industrial centre. The shape of the current constellation of domestic firms as well as the quantity and quality of their workforce derives largely from these decisions, or indecisions, of the past. Despite this, it is still possible for Jamaica to leap-jump towards the centre.
The Small Medium Enterprise Working Group of the Technology Innovation and Productivity Committee (SME-WG TIPC) examined these issues over the last nine months. Its concise Initial Report comprises three sections
o Introduction
o Situational Analysis
o Recommendations for Actions
Two broad categories of recommendations emerge from the report;
1. Specific Priority Recommendations: These number seven and include;
 a. High-growth SME’s should be identified and supported with business development banking, special equity financing and operational efficiency training
 b. Adopt / Adapt Business Excellence Frameworks (BEF’s) to unique context of Jamaican firms
 c. Employee compensation to be linked with firm and business unit productivity
 d. Deploy mobile money for increasing productivity, compliance & reducing informality
 e. Address youth unemployment with a microwork model
 f. Encourage indigenous innovation by modernizing the legislation to strengthen patent rights protection
 g. Institutionalise the development and maintenance of national consensus on medium-term and long-term economic framework so as to provide a consistent, certain and predictable environment for businesses to operate within.

The economic development process today is defined by the ongoing revolution in the tools of the workspace and along with that the global integration of the firms around the world on the basis of the digital technology platform. This process calls for a fundamental shifts in how we prepare the workforce and assign resources to firms to compete in today’s globally competitive economy. Under the old agro-industrial paradigm, economic growth was driven by competitive advantages that were constructed around a model of cheap labor and natural resources. This model was supported by foreign direct investment into productive sectors to generate exports for what were largely protected markets. Under this paradigm, the real bottlenecks to economic expansion were primarily capital and to a lesser extent, natural resources.
Analysis of business ownership data from developed economies, in the late 1980’s pointed to the detection of a distinctive U-shaped curve, reflecting the transition from large, capital-intensive firms to smaller, knowledge-based entrepreneurial firms in those developed countries; the modern Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). This phenomenon was interpreted as evidence of a structural shift in those economies from a traditional to, what has been termed, a knowledge-based entrepreneurial economy, or the new digital economy.
The old economy thrived for nearly three centuries from the days of the first Industrial Revolution in the mid 18th Century when the environment was relatively stable and a degree of certainty prevailed. The new economy emerged beginning in the 1980’s as a response to the global events of that period with the main drivers being; the globalization / IT revolution shortening economic distance; routinized tasks shifting from high-cost zones to low cost zones and ; high-cost zones re-aligning to leverage comparative advantage in high-value knowledge industries and services. The maintenance of high wages required knowledge-based economic activity that could not be costlessly diffused across geographic space.
Recent expansion of broadband availability and capability in emerging economies, the ubiquity of the mobile smartphone and combined with the changing nature of work and new innovative business models are opening opportunities for the former geographic limitations to be relaxed and so enable the engagement of high-quality, high-wage decent work to be delivered from high-value-add, innovative, agile enterprises in the emerging economies.
A monumental shift in the economic fortunes of developing countries across all geographies have been occurring since the early 1990’s significantly transforming the hopes, incomes, health, education democracy, governance and general well-being of billions of consumers across the globe. These countries have been growing their GDP at higher than historic annual levels through an

UWI SB9006 Strategic Use of Information & Communications Technologies, 2010

Doctorate of Business Administration, 2018

Firm innovations rest on two pillars; the external policy environment and the internal micro-deci... more Firm innovations rest on two pillars; the external policy environment and the internal micro-decisions by the managers of firms, which in turn facilitate or inhibit the innovativeness of employees within the workplace. Melding the quality of management model with self-determination theory, the thesis examined, in the context of firms in the Jamaican Information and Communication sector, whether the employees’ perception of the quality of management (PQM) was associated with their innovative work output through the mediation of their autonomous motivation and innovative work behaviour. Hypotheses were tested for two major research sub-models on each of two autonomous motivation dimensions; (1) intrinsic motivation and (2) the single extrinsic motivation, identified regulation. First, that there were serial positive mediated relationships between PQM, intrinsic motivation, employee innovative work behaviour (EIWB), and employee innovative work output (EIWO) and second, that there were serial positive mediated relationships between PQM, identified regulation, EIWB, and EIWO. Pre-tests of the models on an independent alternative sample confirmed several propositions. Extraneous covariates included job characteristics, work ethic, firm characteristics and employee demographics. The survey method in the Jamaican study included face-to-face interviews of a randomised field sample of 241 employees and their supervisors and managers. Results indicated that the hypothesised mediated relationships in the intrinsic motivation sub-model were supported while the relationships in the identified regulation sub-model were not. The covariate skill variety was found to be significant on all paths in both sub-models. All work ethic covariates, excepting self-reliance, were found to be significant. Demographic covariates employee age, gender and firm size were also found to be significant. Post-hoc analysis suggests that work ethic control variables may have acted as a confound in the identified regulation sub-model. The dissertation contributes new perspectives on the relationship of PQM with EIWO and the mediation effects of identified regulation, intrinsic motivation, and EIWB. Some implications for practice, policy, and the body of knowledge are discussed.