Revealing Dynamics and Consequences of Fit and Misfit between Formal and Informal Networks in Multi-Institutional Product Development Collaborations
Posted: 12 Jan 2009
Date Written: December, 19 2008
Abstract
The study presents a longitudinal examination about dynamics and consequences of fit and misfit between formally ascribed design interfaces and informal communication networks in two large multi-institutional product development collaborations in space industry.
Findings: (1) formally ascribed design interfaces and informal communication networks correlate only marginally. The main reason is that informal communication is much more dense than ascribed; (2) although the formally ascribed design interfaces change, the structure of informal communication remains largely stable throughout time; (3) the most intriguing finding is that this communicational misfit is associated with higher effectiveness, but, it negatively impacts the institutional unit's efficiency.
Keywords: Fit, Misfit
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