INSIDE-OUT, OUTSIDE-IN, OR ALL-IN-ONE? THE ROLE OF NETWORK SEQUENCING IN THE ELABORATION OF IDEAS

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Ter Wal, Anne L. J.; Criscuolo, Paola; Salter, Ammon
• 署名单位: Imperial College London; Utrecht University; Maastricht University; University of Bath; University of Sussex
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• DOI: 10.5465/amj.2020.1231
• 发表日期: 2023
• 页码: 432-461
• 关键词: Product innovation; Structural holes; social networks; strong ties; KNOWLEDGE; creativity; BEHAVIOR; MODEL; INFORMATION; orientation

摘要

The structure of advice and support networks within organizations has a profound impact on the elaboration of novel ideas. We explore how the sequence in which indivi-duals expose ideas to their network contacts affects their innovation performance. We argue that, during idea elaboration, inside-out network sequencing-that is, mobilizing input and support from inner-circle ties before outer-circle ones-yields an innovation performance advantage over outside-in network sequencing and all-in-one mobilization of network contacts. Inside-out network sequencing generates valuable early feedback and support from inner-circle ties that actively engage with ill-defined, ill-structured, and uncertain ideas, and delays exposure to outer-circle ties until ideas can better with-stand criticism from beyond the social circle where they emerged. We further contend that the benefits of inside-out network sequencing are amplified in environments that lack support for innovation. Using an analysis of survey data and archival innovation performance records for 301 research and development scientists and engineers in a large multinational firm, we find support for our predictions.