Enabling social networks in an R&D organization

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hellström, Tomas^{; *}

Affiliations: Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Oslo, Postboks 1169, Blindern, Oslo, Norway

Correspondence: [*] Work Tel.: +47 22 84 09 28; Home Tel.: +46 706 728 444; Fax: +47 22 84 09 25; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: This paper presents a qualitative study of mechanisms enabling social network formation in the R&D unit of a large technology-based organization. Drawing on interviews with 37 high-level technical and administrative unit members, a number of social network enablers could be discerned, which related to the need for effective location mechanisms, special “enrolment spaces”, and mechanisms for forging contacts. It was also possible to identify a number of higher-order factors for facilitation of network formation, namely hierarchical enablers and communicative and assimilative factors. Based on these results, the paper makes suggestions as to the theoretical and practical significance of social network enabling mechanisms in R&D organizations.

Keywords: Social networks, R&D, knowledge, network formation, high-technology, qualitative

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-2006-25402

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 25, no. 4, pp. 237-246, 2006