Burgers, Covin (2016)

Question 1

Structural differentiation effects on CE (firms innovation efforts) are influenced by 3 integration mechanisms.

Answer 1

1. Shared vision
2. Senior team social integration (multilevel integration)
3. Cross-functional interfaces (formal relations at work)

Question 2

Structural differentiation: Larger organizations

Answer 2

all 3 mechanisms increase the positive effect of structural differentiation on CE-performance

Question 3

Structural differentiation: small organizations

Answer 3

shared vision is not important and high level of senior team social integration and cross-functional interfaces can kill the positive effects of structural differentiation on CE

Question 4

Structural differentiation: dynamic organizations

Answer 4

a. a low degree of shared vision and of senior integration enhances the effects of structural differentiation on CE
b. the combination of a strong shared vision and structural differentiation lessens the CE’s performance

Question 5

Key Message

Answer 5

Conclusion: higher level of integration in combination with structural differentiation is more important for enhancing CE (contingency effect) in larger rather than in smaller organizations