From ugly duckling to swan: a social network perspective on novelty recognition and creativity

Perry-Smith, J and Mannucci, P V (2019) From ugly duckling to swan: a social network perspective on novelty recognition and creativity. In: Social networks at work. SIOP Organizational Frontiers Series . Routledge, Abingdon. ISBN 9781138572645

Abstract

Scholars from different disciplines have explored how individuals’ social networks shape their ability to generate creative ideas. In recent years, however, scholars have started to apply a social network lens to other critical phases of the journey of an idea from generation to completion. In particular, they have focused on novelty recognition – individuals’ ability to recognize novelty in their own ideas and in others’. Failing to recognize novelty can, in fact, have negative consequences for the destiny not only of the idea but also of the organization as a whole. We review and organize this emerging body of research with the twofold objective of providing a clear picture of the state of the art and stimulating further research in this direction. We briefly review extant literature on networks and idea generation. We then review literature on novelty recognition from a non-network perspective. Next, we present research in social networks that informs novelty recognition from the perspective of both the creator and the field. We conclude with a discussion of ideas for future research. Creativity is traditionally defined as the generation of outcomes that are judged to be novel and useful by appropriate observers, and is recognized as a source of competitive advantage for organizations all over the world (Amabile & Pratt, 2016; Florida & Goodnight, 2005; Morris & Leung, 2010; Zhou & Su, 2010). At the same time, although coveted, creativity remains elusive (Staw, 1995).