Spatial Layout, Social Structure, and Innovation in Organizations

• DOI: 10.1068/b130074p
• Publication Date: 2014-04-15T15:59:19Z
• Authors: Jean Wineman; Yongha Hwang; Felichism Kabo; Jason Owen-Smith; Gerald F Davis
• Keywords: Structuring; Social Network Analysis; Social network (sociolinguistics)

Research on the enabling factors of innovation has most often addressed either social component organizations or spatial dimensions involved in process. Few studies have examined link from layout and networks to innovation. Social play important roles structuring communication, collaboration, access knowledge, knowledge transformation. These processes are both antecedent part Spatial structures patterns circulation, proximity, awareness others, encounter an organization. interrelationships become fundamental development networks, especially those critical This research explored associations between within three partner organization's structure. The included: A nonprofit life sciences institute dedicated translational cancer, laboratories a multinational software corporation, quality control group automobile manufacturer. study applied analysis map characterize physical space conjunction with survey data capturing contacts among researchers at organizations. For one organization, we augmented these tools location-tracking methods. It could be argued that sociometric surveys capture ‘perceived’ network. been very interested assessing ‘real’ as reliability checks stand-alone networks. Our use ultrawideband location system allowed us assess real time. In interpreting our results, suggest through exposure moving locations high metric choice may provide opportunities for serendipitous encounters individuals who come disparate parts Whereas low mean distance others enhanced connections necessary mobilize resources attention move innovative ideas forward. Results demonstrate salience suggests two strong appear influence results: institutional context which characterizes prioritizes certain outcomes; extent facility design tends concentrate spatially distribute unit. findings indicate relationships salutary network positions beneficial locales themselves derive contexts shape priorities, opportunities, goals practices discovery. We is process occurs intersection space, moves toward sociospatial science