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On The Relationship Between Idea-Quantity and Idea-Quality During Ideation

Author

Listed:
  • Bruce A. Reinig

    (San Diego State University)

  • Robert O. Briggs

    (University of Nebraska at Omaha
    Delft University of Technology)

Abstract

A great deal of research has been conducted to develop methods and techniques to improve group ideation. Most of this research focuses on techniques for increasing the quantity of ideas generated during ideation; less attention has been given to the quality of the ideas produced. This focus stems from the widely held quantity–quality conjecture, that, all else being equal, more ideas give rise to more good ideas. In this paper, we argue that cognitive inertia and scarcity of solution space may affect the relationship between idea-quantity and idea-quality as ideation proceeds, resulting in a condition of diminishing returns for additional ideas. Results of a laboratory study using fourteen groups supported the diminishing returns hypothesis. Recommendations for future ideation research are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce A. Reinig & Robert O. Briggs, 2008. "On The Relationship Between Idea-Quantity and Idea-Quality During Ideation," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 403-420, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:grdene:v:17:y:2008:i:5:d:10.1007_s10726-008-9105-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10726-008-9105-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Valacich, Joseph S. & Dennis, Alan R. & Connolly, Terry, 1994. "Idea Generation in Computer-Based Groups: A New Ending to an Old Story," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 57(3), pages 448-467, March.
    2. Wm. David Salisbury & Wynne W. Chin & Abhijit Gopal & Peter R. Newsted, 2002. "Research Report: Better Theory Through Measurement—Developing a Scale to Capture Consensus on Appropriation," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 13(1), pages 91-103, March.
    3. Alain Pinsonneault & Henri Barki & R. Brent Gallupe & Norberto Hoppen, 1999. "Electronic Brainstorming: The Illusion of Productivity," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 10(2), pages 110-133, June.
    4. Alain Pinsonneault & Henri Barki & R. Brent Gallupe & Norberto Hoppen, 1999. "Research Note. The Illusion of Electronic Brainstorming Productivity: Theoretical and Empirical Issues," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 10(4), pages 378-380, December.
    5. Alan R. Dennis & Joseph S. Valacich & Traci A. Carte & Monica J. Garfield & Barbara J. Haley & Jay E. Aronson, 1997. "Research Report: The Effectiveness of Multiple Dialogues in Electronic Brainstorming," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 8(2), pages 203-211, June.
    6. Terry Connolly & Leonard M. Jessup & Joseph S. Valacich, 1990. "Effects of Anonymity and Evaluative Tone on Idea Generation in Computer-Mediated Groups," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 36(6), pages 689-703, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Akin Osman Kazakçi & Thomas Gillier & Gerald Piat & Armand Hatchuel, 2014. "Brainstorming versus creative design reasoning," Post-Print hal-00969300, HAL.
    2. Yossi Maaravi & Ben Heller & Yael Shoham & Shay Mohar & Baruch Deutsch, 2021. "Ideation in the digital age: literature review and integrative model for electronic brainstorming," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 15(6), pages 1431-1464, August.
    3. Chen, Fang & Zhang, Limin & Latimer, Joseph, 2014. "How much has my co-worker contributed? The impact of anonymity and feedback on social loafing in asynchronous virtual collaboration," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 652-659.
    4. Schweisfurth, Tim G., 2017. "Comparing internal and external lead users as sources of innovation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(1), pages 238-248.
    5. Benjamin Cabanes & Stéphane Hubac & Pascal Le Masson & Benoit Weil, 2021. "Improving reliability engineering in product development based on design theory: the case of FMEA in the semiconductor industry," Post-Print hal-03143866, HAL.
    6. Bruce A. Reinig & Robert O. Briggs, 2013. "Putting Quality First in Ideation Research," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 22(5), pages 943-973, September.

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