By encouraging a culture of 'intrapreneurialism', big businesses could help their employees adopt entrepreneurial behaviours that foster innovation and growth, the study found.
The buzzword 'intrapreneurs' was coined in the 1980s by management consultant Gifford Pinchot and is often used by organisations that recognise the need for fresh and innovative ideas. Unlike entrepreneurs, who tend to run their own small start-up organisations, intrapreneurs usually work in larger organisations where they're tasked with developing new ideas and concepts.
The CIPD research found 37% of employees would welcome the opportunity of an intrapreneurial role but just 12% of employers encourage and facilitate this behaviour.
The CIPD is urging employers to consider what they could gain by adopting a more entrepreneurial approach to business.
"There's no doubt a successful business depends on innovative ideas and sound market strategy, but this report shows that good people management is crucial to the long-term success of any business," said Claire McCartney, research advisor at the CIPD.
"As start-up companies grow, it can be easy for the entrepreneurial spirit that made it so successful in the first place to wane, but the companies we've spoken to have proven that even the largest organisations can retain an innovative edge if they pay close attention to attracting, retaining, engaging and developing the right talent to live and breathe the values of the founders."
Holly Tucker, co-founder of online marketplace, notonthehighstreet.com, said when they first started the company in 2006 they recruited people with an entrepreneurial spirit "who shared their vision and values".
"Our employees have space to grow professionally in a nurturing environment and develop their passion for innovation, driving our business forward," she said.