External and Inter-Organizational Networking As Facilitators of Innovation Generation in an MNC

Abstract:

In this paper I give a brief overview of the previous studies on organizational innovation in general and facilitators of organizational innovation generation in particular. Based on Ghoshal and Bartlett’s (1990) definition of an MNC and applying related theories and approaches, I claim it is both external and inter-organizational networking that facilitate innovation generation in an MNC. I present a model which illustrates the relationships between external and inter-organizational networking and innovation generation in an MNC. At the same time I provide an analysis of the characteristics of external and inter-organizational networking in an MNC. In the end, I discuss the implications of the model for theory building, empirical testing, and business practices.