دانلود رایگان مقاله تلاش های استاندارد سازی: رابطه بین ابعاد دانش، فرایندهای جستجو و نتایج نوآوری

abstract

We explore how a standardization effort (i.e., when a firm pursues standards to further innovation) involves different search processes for knowledge and innovation outcomes. Using an inductive case study of Vanke, a leading Chinese property developer, we show how varying degrees of knowledge complexity and codification combine to produce a typology of four types of search process: active, integrative, decentralized and passive, resulting in four types of innovation outcome: modular, radical, incremental and architectural. We argue that when the standardization effort in a firm involves highly codified knowledge, incremental and architectural innovation outcomes are fostered, while modular and radical innovations are hindered. We discuss how standardization efforts can result in a second-order innovation capability, and conclude by calling for comparative research in other settings to understand how standardization efforts can be suited to different types of search process in different industry contexts.

5. Discussion

While standardization efforts have been recognized as playing a crucial role in how firms create and profit from innovation, we found that existing empirical research offers inconsistent findings on the relationship between standardization and innovation. To help resolve these inconsistencies and further our understanding of standardization, we examined how degrees of knowledge complexity and codification impact the type of search required and the resulting innovation outcome. We explained how these two dimensions of knowledge combine to produce a typology of four types of search process and four types of associated innovation outcome. Using a detailed case study, we illustrated and verified each dimension of our typology. Together the typology and the case study help us to better understand how search impacts the inter-play and relationship between standardization and innovation outcomes.