Effects of Self-Management Strategies on the Innovation of Management Students in Isfahan University, Iran

In the present knowledge-oriented era, potential capabilities of individuals need to be used and innovation and creativity should be created. Self-management is a set of strategies that an individual applies in order to improve and influence his behavior. It plays a significant role as a hidden capital in establishing a suitable environment for creating innovation. The purpose of this paper was to study the role of self-management strategies on innovation level of students of management in Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran. This descriptive survey study used a verified researcher-made questionnaire with formal validity and reliability coefficient of 0.91 to collect data. The statistical population consisted of management students in Isfahan University during 2009-2010. The required number of participants was calculated as 196 students who were selected by simple random sampling method. Based on available literature, a model was designed to evaluate the role of self-management strategies on innovation level among the students of management. This model was then tested by LISREL software. Self-management strategies, particularly behavioral strategies, had a significant effect on student's innovation level. In addition, student's internal focus, as a hidden variable, had a great effect on their innovation level. Moreover, level of education affected student's innovation level, i.e. PhD students were more innovative than other students due to the skills and experiences they acquired during their course of study. The amounts of fit indexes in the studied model showed the suitability of the model. Practical commitment to self-management system creates a different attitude toward personal values through a professional approach and self guidance and can thus facilitate creativity and innovation in students.