Bubbling Up the Good Ideas: A Two-Mode Network Analysis of an Intraorganizational Idea Challenge

• In Event: B.E.S.T.: Communication Networks in and Between Organizations

Abstract

This study provides a methodological and analytical framework for better understanding the idea selection process within organizations in the context of “idea challenges” as a form of open collaborative innovation. Drawing on recent advancement in two-mode Exponential random graph model, we examine two-mode network generated by a digital collaboration platform on employee participation during a 12-day idea challenge in a global IT corporation. We assess the network logics and individual-level factors that shape network structure of idea generation and selection of a few good ideas from a large amount of ideas pitched. Results demonstrate a Matthew effect leading to employee participation that is highly centralized around a few “super-active” employees engaged with many ideas, and highly centralized idea popularity with very few ideas attracting most employee activity and most ideas garnering little attention. We also find some support for employee-idea clustering or “block-voting” as well as geographic homophily in employee participation.

Authors

• Bryan Stephens, University of Texas at Austin

• Wenhong Chen, U of Texas - Austin

• John Sibley Butler, U of Texas - Austin