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Design+ Legitimizing design thinking in companies

was not possible to confidently conclude that the observed
differences were attributable to the variables under study,
as opposed to random variation. Although no statistically
significant differences were found between Team Alpha
and Team Beta across several hypotheses, Hypothesis 1
suggests that both teams demonstrate similar levels of
confidence in creativity, which may indicate that they both
recognize the importance of creativity within their work
context. As such, this finding suggests that both teams
are open to exploring creative approaches, even if the
differences have not been statistically validated.
Regarding Hypothesis 2, the results indicated that Team
Beta had higher scores than Team Alpha; however, it was
not possible to confidently conclude that the observed
differences were due to the studied variables rather than
random variation. Although no statistically significant
difference was found in the culture of openness and
feedback between the two teams, this finding emphasizes
Figure 4. Mean ranks and scores for the physical space construct the importance of fostering a culture that supports
innovation and the exchange of feedback. Even in the
5. Conclusion absence of statistically significant differences, the value

This paper contributes to the study of legitimacy challenges of promoting an organizational culture that encourages
in the implementation of DT by characterizing the values open communication and idea-sharing remains clear. In
and culture associated with DT. 16,37 Despite the growing addition, observations of participants stepping outside their
interest in DT among practitioners, limited research has comfort zones and engaging in meaningful debates suggest
been conducted on how companies practically apply DT, that DT activities can challenge organizational norms
1
and there is still a minimal understanding of the actions and stimulate critical reflection, ultimately contributing
that managers take to facilitate DT adoption within to a more dynamic and innovative work environment.
organizations. 13 Comments regarding the difficulty of brainstorming
individually underscore the importance of collaborative
This study addressed a significant conceptual and environments in fostering creativity, reinforcing the
empirical gap in the literature on DT adoption, i.e., the idea that collaboration is essential to the innovation
need for greater legitimacy. It explored why legitimacy process. Furthermore, observations highlighting the
is a critical barrier to DT adoption in organizations and need for regular practice of DT activities to make them
proposes a set of hypotheses to overcome this challenge. automatically emphasize the importance of consistency in
By drawing on employee perceptions and organizational incorporating DT into daily work. These insights reinforce
workplace theories, this research provides actionable the relevance of DT in organizations and point to areas
insights for legitimizing DT within companies. Design that warrant further exploration to promote a culture of
interventions can raise awareness, promote interest, innovation and creativity.
foster motivation, and guide design activities within
an organization. The developed hypothesis integrates Regarding Hypothesis 3, the results showed that Team
validity and reliability approaches to better understand the Beta had higher scores than Team Alpha. However, it was
underlying interpersonal processes that contribute most not possible to confidently conclude that the observed
effectively to holistic innovation. differences were due to the variables studied rather than
random noise. While the results were not statistically
The study highlights the importance of factors such as significant, this does not determine the importance of
confidence in creativity, a culture of openness, leadership providing DT training for leaders. Such training can foster
training in DT, and the creation of a dedicated physical an environment that is more conducive to innovation and
space. These factors are shown to play a critical role in creativity. The finding suggests that leaders involved in DT
the successful adoption and implementation of DT within activities can positively influence collaboration and the
organizations. generation of creative ideas within their teams. In addition,
The results indicated that Team Beta had higher scores participants’ comments about the difficulty of integrating
than Team Alpha in relation to Hypothesis 1. However, it DT practices into their work routines highlight the need

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 14 doi: 10.36922/dp.4292