دانلود رایگان مقاله نقش سرحد مرزی در ایجاد نوآوری در مشارکت های چند بخشی

ABSTRACT

This paper considers the mutual value co-creation that can occur when both parties in a cross sector partnership learn to innovate within the relationship. Despite suggestions that there are often asymmetrical returns to the business partner, nonprofit partners also accrue benefits (Austin & Seitanidi, 2012). In particular we consider how the relationship is influenced by the actors’ abilities to accommodate, adapt, learn and co-create solutions as they learn how to do things differently or better in response to the challenges they face. This is achieved using data from a longitudinal analysis of a crosssector partnership between a business and an arts organisation in Ireland. This offers a unique opportunity to trace the emergence of the partnership over time, and, specifically, to consider the impact of innovations co-created by the actors involved. Our analysis will demonstrate that innovation at the level of the relationship emerged from the incremental problem solving processes of the individuals involved. This foregrounds the impact of individual boundary spanners and the import of social capital in realising the potential of this partnership. In this regard we put forward three key boundary spanning roles, boundary spanner as network builder, as entrepreneur, as facilitator/mediator. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research and consideration of managerial implications arising from this study.

5. Discussion

Holmes and Smart (2009) identified two boundary spanning roles which were seen to play a significant role in the bringing about of innovation within cross-sector arrangements, that of formal management of innovation, usually by senior management, and a more informal role framed as a conduit that facilitates search and exploration and the location of opportunities through idea exchange. From our data we concur that the more informal boundary spanner role best describes our key protagonists. However, the term conduit, with its connotations of enabling flow of knowledge and learning does not capture the varied roles played by boundary spanners. Building on Williams (2002) we can now offer three distinct roles that Boundary Spanners were seen to play in the realising of relational level innovation, brought about through their problem solving processes. These are: boundary spanner as network builder, boundary spanner as entrepreneur, and boundary spanner as mediator. These roles are apparent throughout the relationship’s history and are not confined to any particular phase of the relationship. What we do see however, is an intensification of boundary work during times of crises or marked changes in the relationship context.