Facilitating talk about new ideas: The role of personal relationships in organizational innovation

Abstract

This research focuses on the relational and network conditions conducive to talk about new ideas. Although talk about new ideas does not guarantee implementation, it is a necessary and essential element in the overall innovation process. This paper includes two studies grounded in a perspective informed by politeness theory and the fundamental concern individuals have for the maintenance of personal face. The studies highlight the importance of relationships characterized by high content and role multiplexity, the relational attributions underlying the ties in which this type of talk occurs, and more. Discussion of the implications of these findings as well as directions for future research are also included.