More from these Authors

• Chapter | Handbook of Economic Organization: Integrating Economic and Organization Theory | 2013

  Open Innovation and Organizational Boundaries: Task Decomposition, Knowledge Distribution and the Locus of Innovation

  Karim R. Lakhani, Hila Lifshitz - Assaf and Michael Tushman

  This chapter contrasts traditional, organization-centered models of innovation with more recent work on open innovation. These fundamentally different and inconsistent innovation logics are associated with contrasting organizational boundaries and organizational designs. We suggest that when critical tasks can be modularized and when problem-solving knowledge is widely distributed and available, open innovation complements traditional innovation logics. We induce these ideas from the literature and with extended examples from Apple, NASA, and LEGO. We suggest that task decomposition and problem-solving knowledge distribution are not deterministic but are strategic choices. If dynamic capabilities are associated with innovation streams, and if different innovation types are rooted in contrasting innovation logics, there are important implications for firm boundaries, design, and identity.

  Citation:

  Lakhani, Karim R., Hila Lifshitz - Assaf, and Michael Tushman. "Open Innovation and Organizational Boundaries: Task Decomposition, Knowledge Distribution and the Locus of Innovation." Chap. 19 in Handbook of Economic Organization: Integrating Economic and Organization Theory, edited by Anna Grandori, 355–382. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013.

  CiteView DetailsSSRN

  Related

• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013

  Southfield Packaging

  Michael Beer and Alisa Zalosh

  Southfield Packaging provides packaging materials and services to medical device manufacturers. The case examines the relationship between a corporate vice president, Mark Sanders, and one of his direct reports, Regional Manager Frank Belby. Sanders' preparation for Belby's annual performance review provides a foundation for discussing the common challenges and difficulties associated with performance reviews. Specific issues include the need to clearly define criteria for evaluation and the question of whether Belby's physical health should play a role in his performance review. Overall, is Southfield's appraisal process a fair and effective way of evaluating employee potential?

  Citation:

  Beer, Michael, and Alisa Zalosh. "Southfield Packaging." Harvard Business School Brief Case 913-562, April 2013.

  CiteView DetailsPurchase

  Related

• Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2013

  Southfield Packaging (Brief Case)

  Michael Beer and Alisa Zalosh

  Citation:

  Beer, Michael, and Alisa Zalosh. "Southfield Packaging (Brief Case)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 913-563, April 2013.

  CiteView DetailsPurchase

  Related