An exploratory study into the experiences, characteristics and motivations of innovative individuals in the Australian plumbing industry

This empirical study offers perspectives on the choices made by employed and self-employed innovators within the Australian plumbing industry. A grounded theory approach was taken and data was collected via semi-structured interviews from sixteen individuals. Relationships were identified that suggested that self-efficacy and risk profiles play an important role in career choices and that the development of these profiles is impacted by childhood and early career experiences. In addition, a range of motivations play a part in the choice to innovate and how to commercialise those innovations. This research identifies novel themes and proposes a substantive model, which shows antecedents of career choices and their changes over time.