Book chapter
THE INTERDEPENDENCIES OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL NETWORK STRUCTURE AND THE EXPLORATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES AMONG GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED FIRMS
Understanding the Relationship Between Networks and Technology, Creativity and Innovation, pp 123-163
01 Jan 2013
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
To resolve an inherent dilemma in extant research on geographically dispersed research and development (R&D), this study explores interdependencies between formal and informal network structures. Firms that seek to benefit from the decentralization associated with disperse R&D must align it with an informal structure that enhances organizational members' motivation to share and assimilate their unique knowledge and skills. On the basis of an investigation among 424 US biotechnology firms between 1973 and 2003, this study reveals the moderating effect of the firm's informal social structure on the effect that geographically dispersed R&D personnel have on the exploration of new technological opportunities. Specifically, the higher the social network density among R&D members, the more likely geographic disparity is to affect exploration; however, this likelihood decreases with an increase in power asymmetries. These results offer insights into the conditions in which the appropriate management of geographically dispersed R&D varies.
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Details
- Title
- THE INTERDEPENDENCIES OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL NETWORK STRUCTURE AND THE EXPLORATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES AMONG GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED FIRMS
- Creators
- Daniel Tzabbar - Drexel UniversityAlex Vestal - Drexel Univ, LeBow Coll Business, Huntingdon Valley, PA USA
- Contributors
- B S Aharonson (Editor)U Stettner (Editor)T L Amburgey (Editor)S Ellis (Editor)Drori (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Understanding the Relationship Between Networks and Technology, Creativity and Innovation, pp 123-163
- Series
- Technology Innovation Entrepreneurship and Competitive Strategy
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing; BINGLEY
- Number of pages
- 41
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Management
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000373056900006
- Other Identifier
- 991019168118204721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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- Web of Science research areas
- Business
- Management