A NEW MODEL OF THE LEARNING PROCESS FOR INNOVATION TEAMS: NETWORKED NOMINAL PAIRS

Abstract

This paper examines how to structure resource-constrained innovation teams in order to maximise learning and creativity within organisations. Past research suggest that nominal groups (based on independent operations by individuals) outperform interactive groups. The results of this study suggest hybrid group structures based on independent operating pairs can be as effective as nominal groups. The study segmented 672 business managers and university post-graduate students into nominal, hybrid and interactive groups of six members. Three groups (one of each structural type) were pitted against each other to solve 4 related puzzles as quickly as possible. The results of these 28 problem-solving task races were aggregated to determine which group structure was most productive. Overall, the results confirmed that nominal groups of six significantly outperform interactive groups of the same size. More importantly, however, the results showed no significant difference between the productivity of nominal groups of six and hybrid groups comprised of three interactive pairs, where each pair operated separately to complete the same puzzle in parallel with the rest of the group. This suggests that structuring innovation teams into networked, nominal pairs may be just as productive as purely nominal group structures. This significantly extends the existing research on nominal groups versus interactive groups as it suggests that completely eliminating interactivity is not the optimal management approach.