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Social networks in coworking spaces and individual coworker’s creativity

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Rese

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Lars Görmar

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Alena Herbig

    (University of Bayreuth)

Abstract

Coworking spaces (CWS) are open creative labs that provide a community-like environment and the necessary surroundings for their users to build and maintain networks with different actors inside and outside the CWS. With a wide variety of knowledge and skills available in trusted surroundings as well as similar value orientations, coworkers enjoy favorable conditions to establish their network-style. However, research has not investigated the benefit of coworkers’ social networks as far as their individual creativity is concerned so far. This paper takes several network characteristics into account: structure in terms of network size and centrality in the CWS, but also trusted and reciprocal relationships, supportiveness, diversity of knowledge exchanged, and the individual openness to core coworking values. Based on the literature on social networks and small group research, we developed a research model. We tested it to get deeper insights into the phenomenon by relying on 113 coworkers in 33 private German coworking spaces. The results show that a central position in the CWS allowing for direct exchange and high individual openness to core coworking values positively affects social involvement and the diversity of knowledge exchanged, and finally, a coworker’s individual creativity. Managerial implications include the vital role of a central position in the CWS for creativity and a somewhat balanced composition of coworkers working alone or in a team.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Rese & Lars Görmar & Alena Herbig, 2022. "Social networks in coworking spaces and individual coworker’s creativity," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 391-428, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:rvmgts:v:16:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11846-021-00445-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11846-021-00445-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Coworking spaces; Creative performance; Social networks; Governance mechanisms; Core coworking value orientation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • M19 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Other
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation

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