Revealing dynamics and consequences of fit and misfit between formal and informal networks in multi-institutional product development collaborations

J. Kratzer, Hans G. Gemuenden and Christopher Lettl

Research Policy, 2008, vol. 37, issue 8, pages 1356-1370

Abstract: The study presents a longitudinal examination about dynamics and consequences of fit and misfit between formally ascribed design interfaces and informal communication networks in two large multi-institutional product development collaborations in space industry. Findings: (1) formally ascribed design interfaces and informal communication networks correlate only marginally. The main reason is that informal communication is much more dense than ascribed; (2) although the formally ascribed design interfaces change, the structure of informal communication remains largely stable throughout time; (3) the most intriguing finding is that this communicational misfit is associated with higher effectiveness, but, it negatively impacts the institutional unit's efficiency.

Date: 2008

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Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:respol:v:37:y:2008:i:8:p:1356-1370

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