SUMMARY
This research analyses the relationship between organizational and human resources management variables with inovation. Its main objective was to analyze and compare the aspects of the organization and strategic management of human resources that have contributed to implement inovations. Three case studies were conducted in health care organizations. Two of these organizations are located in Brazil and one in the United States. The results indicate that the adoption of specific organizational and human resources management variables may stimulate inovation. Furthermore, it was possible to conclude that when these variables are aligned to the organization´s objectives and strategy, it facilitates the barriers to change, inherent to health care organizations, and the implementation of inovations tend to be more successful.