Implications of Social Cohesion in Entrepreneurial Collaboration: a Conceptual Model and Research Propositions

Abstract

This paper explores how the moderation of social cohesion could sustain optimal synergy in entrepreneurial collaboration. Modern firms increasingly engage entrepreneurs in the pursuit of innovation as a means to gain competitive advantage. Managers that oversee such initiatives are hesitant to interfere with the social linkages between entrepreneurs fearing that they will somehow upset the creative process. The consensus that entrepreneurs are inherently collaborative and adept at mitigating conflict also fuels this hands-off approach. Using a systematic literature review, the authors demonstrate that, without moderation of social cohesion, the expectation of sustainable innovation arising from the entrepreneurial collaboration is unwise. Organisations may overspend time, money, and technological assets without successful innovation occurring. The dangers range from poor and even risky decision-making to group disintegration. This paper proposes a conceptual model and research propositions to steer future research in managerial interventions designed to moderate social cohesion towards sustaining optimal synergy amongst collaborating entrepreneurs. This paper concludes with a commentary on the implications to business, society, public policy, and teaching.