Author:
Philip Roth | Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI | Germany
Research has shown that informal advice networks are a key success factor for developers working on innovation projects in enterprises (Allen 1977). Following this, questions arise concerning the emergence of these networks and the corresponding milieu of interpersonal, spatial, and contextual interactions that facilitate their formation.
The research on these questions focuses particularly on the knowledge that actors have about others. This is grounded in the assumption that the occurrence of interactions results from a cognitive selection process. Contrasting research has demonstrated that unplanned encounters are essential to the emergence of informal advice networks (Backhouse & Dew 1992; cf. Feld 1981). I assume that encounters arise systematically and specific types of encounters systematically lead to specific forms of interaction. In understanding this system, there is therefore great potential for more comprehensive explanation of network dynamics.
Methods established in (qualitative) network research, however, are not suitable for investigating this systematic adequately. Especially two problems are crucial. On the one hand, observations are inappropriate because they require the decision when and where to observe. The research question, however, requires precisely this impartiality. On the other hand, interviews require recollections by the interviewees. It is expected that these are inaccurate and unstable, as peripheral dimensions of everyday practices are to be recalled.
Against this background, I suggest using event-based diaries to gather appropriate data (Roth 2015). In the lecture, I will outline how I applied the method in combination with focused interviews to collect data in the research & development departments of two companies. Based on the collected data, I will point out the advantages and weaknesses of the procedure.
Litrature
Allen, Thomas J. (1977): Managing the flow of technology. Technology transfer and the dissemination of technological information within the R & D organization. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
Backhouse Alan; Drew, Peter (1992): The design implications of social interaction in a workplace setting. In: Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design 19 (1), S. 573–584.
Feld, Scott L. (1981): The Focused Organization of Social Ties. In: American Journal of Sociology 86 (5), S. 1015–1035.
Roth, Philip (2015): Including the Diary Method in the Investigation of Practices Constituting Social Innovation Networks. In: Historical Social Research 40 (2), S. 331–350.