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Publications
  • 2023
  • Working Paper
  • HBS Working Paper Series

Centralization and Organization Reproduction: Ethnic Innovation in R&D Centers and Satellite Locations

By: William R. Kerr
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:63
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Abstract

We study the relationship between firm centralization and organizational reproduction in satellite locations. For decentralized firms, the ethnic compositions of inventors in satellite locations mostly resemble their host cities, with little link to the inventor composition of their parent firms' R&D headquarters. For highly centralized firms, by contrast, organizational reproduction has an explanatory power equal to half or more of the host city effect. Reproduction is strongest when a firm exhibits a hands-on approach to the satellite facility, such as cross-facility team collaboration or internal talent mobility.

Keywords

Ethnicity; Business Offices; Research and Development; Innovation and Invention; Organizational Design

Citation

Kerr, William R. "Centralization and Organization Reproduction: Ethnic Innovation in R&D Centers and Satellite Locations." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 24-015, September 2023.
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About The Author

William R. Kerr

Entrepreneurial Management
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