Psychological Distance Impacts Subgroup Reciprocity in Technological Innovation Networks: The Mediating Role of Divisive Faultlines

Abstract

As information flows at ever-increasing speeds across technological innovation networks, it is crucial to optimize reciprocity among partnering enterprises. However, the impact of psychological distance on subgroup reciprocity in such networks has not yet been investigated. To address this gap, the current study drew on theories of faultlines and cohesive subgroups to model the relationship between psychological distance and subgroup reciprocity within technological innovation networks. Our hypotheses were tested using data from 174 respondents working in Yunnan Province, China. The results were as follows: first, psychological distance had negative effects on subgroup reciprocity in technological innovation networks; second, relationship-divisive and innovation-divisive faultlines negatively impacted reciprocity within and between subgroups; third, the faultlines partially mediated the negative relationship between psychological distance and intra-subgroup reciprocity; and fourth, the negative relationship between psychological distance and subgroup reciprocity was not mediated by the faultlines. The findings uncover the psychological mechanism of subgroup reciprocity within technological innovation networks. They will inform the decision-making process of enterprises when selecting partners within their technological innovation networks and support the development of effective reciprocal relationships with other innovators.

How and why non-balanced reciprocity differently influence employees’ compliance behavior: The mediating role of thriving and the moderating roles of perceived cognitive capabilities of artificial intelligence and conscientiousness

“…The literature on SET suggests that technology influences the psychological processes of social exchange (Mitchell et al, 2012). The current study also suggests that technological innovation plays a role in the effect of reciprocity norms within the organization (Yu et al, 2022). AI as an advanced technology is highly valued by organizational practitioners, while the actual or potential use of AI in the organization will make employees feel the pressure of being replaced.…”

How Surface-Level and Deep-Level Faultlines Influence Team Performance through Subgroup Formation and Team Interaction Quality: A Meta-analytic Review

“…(2) Subgroups form when team members perceive faultlines as the actual division into several subgroups (Jehn & Bezrukova, 2010). And these subgroups are ‘internally homogeneous and externally heterogeneous’ (Yu, Deng, Gao, & Liu, 2022: 13). Thus, there is a conceptual distinction between dormant faultlines and subgroup formation.…”

Research on Technological Divisive Faultlines in Cliques: Evidence From China’s Biomedical Industry Innovation Network

“…Some scholars examined the relationship among divisive faultlines, knowledge stock, knowledge transfer efficiency, and situational embeddedness in firm alliances based on the questionnaire data provided by firm alliances [20]. Subsequently, Yu et al collected data through questionnaires and found that relational divisive faultlines and innovation divisive faultlines partially mediated the negative correlation between psychological distance and intra-subgroup reciprocity [21].…”

“…Firms within the clique are more willing to communicate with others with similar technologies to pursue greater knowledge flow [24] so that firms can solve their innovation problems within the sub-clique with a stronger sense of belonging. Therefore, it can be inferred that the TDF will make firms tend to complete innovation activities in the sub-clique with more technical similarity, weaken the unity of the clique and hinder the knowledge flow among the sub-cliques [18] [21].…”