Idea selection in suggestion systems: a thematic similarity perspective

Abstract

The literature on the fuzzy front-end of innovation, and in particular on suggestion systems, has focused mainly on organizational aspects and individual characteristics of submitters. We take a different approach and focus on the idea itself. To differentiate different ideas, we build on recent research in cognition that distinguishes two types of similarities: featurebased, taxonomic similarity, and context-based, thematic similarity. We operationalize the type of similarity in terms of idea character ('thematicness') and idea presentation (scenario and experiential proximity) with idea evaluation. Data were obtained from the suggestion system of the research and development department of a multinational manufacturer of consumer goods. We identify significant, positive relationships for all characteristics with idea evaluations. We discuss our findings in the context of bounded creativity approaches, derive theoretical and practical implications, and recommend avenues for future research.

Idea Selection in Web‐Enabled Ideation Systems

“…Relatedly, studies adopting an information processing view highlight that, in online communication, the length of a written message affects its level of clarity and understandability, influencing decision‐making (Ransbotham, Kane, and Lurie, ). In the context of web‐based ideation, it is argued that ideas are more likely to be positively evaluated when they require little cognitive efforts to be processed and understood (Froehlich et al, ). However, individuals tend to differ in their ability to formulate ideas as well as in the amount of time and efforts dedicated to their articulation (Di Gangi et al, ).…”

“…Building on this, more recent studies highlight how managers' review decisions are also based on the content and description of submitted ideas (Hoornaert et al, ; Schemmann et al, ). Studies have started to investigate which characteristics related to the idea itself may influence selection decisions (Froehlich, Hoegl, and Gibbert, ; Schemmann et al, ). For instance, it is found that managers are likely to deselect ideas with a more novel content (Piezunka and Dahlander, ).…”

“…Among these characteristics, the degree of elaboration of an idea has received limited attention. It is particularly argued that, in order to be accepted, ideas need to be understood by managers (Froehlich et al, ). The way ideas are formulated and elaborated on the platform may then influence their selection (Li, Kankanhalli, and Kim, ).…”

The role of perceived comprehension in idea evaluation

“…In the creativity and innovation management literature, an idea is often referred to as a short narrative consisting of two parts, i.e. a description of a user-related problem and a solution to this problem (Basadur, Runco, & Vega, 2000;Froehlich, Hoegl, & Gibbert, 2016;Magnusson, 2009;Osborn, 1957). According to Smith, the 'problem' part is defined as "the disharmony between reality and a person's preferences for the reality" (Smith, 1988(Smith, , p. 1491.…”

“…Eling et al, 2015;Kudrowitz & Wallace, 2013;Magnusson, 2009). Moreover, studies have mainly focused on the objective components, such as the description of the ideas (Froehlich et al, 2016;Onarheim & Christensen, 2012), overlooking the relationship that it has with the subjective comprehension of the individual.…”