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Prototypes as identity markers: The double‐edged role of prototypes in multidisciplinary innovation teams
Author(s) -
Dosi Clio,
Mattarelli Elisa,
Vignoli Matteo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
creativity and innovation management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.148
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1467-8691
pISSN - 0963-1690
DOI - 10.1111/caim.12410
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , superordinate goals , identity (music) , salient , process (computing) , multidisciplinary team , psychology , work (physics) , fidelity , knowledge management , field (mathematics) , sociology , computer science , social psychology , engineering , artificial intelligence , medicine , mathematics , social science , mechanical engineering , telecommunications , physics , nursing , acoustics , pure mathematics , operating system
Prototypes play a powerful role in facilitating the work of multidisciplinary innovation teams, but if not properly managed, they may inhibit innovation processes. This paper inquires into the tensions that exist around the use of prototypes in multidisciplinary teams. We studied the relationship between work identities (related to teams and subgroups within teams) and prototypes with a field study of a multidisciplinary team in an emergency department, in charge of redesigning the layout of the unit. Results show that different values of subgroup identities are reflected in the solutions devised by the team. These values become salient through the prototype; that is, the prototype is an identity marker, especially when it is characterized by higher tangibility, fidelity and validity. When the prototype is an identity marker, it sparks conflict within the team. We also find that a superordinate team identity can help in solving conflictual interactions. Our analysis contributes to revealing how prototypes as identity markers can both inhibit and facilitate the innovation process of multidisciplinary teams. We offer theoretical and practical implications for managers, team members and designers working in multidisciplinary teams.