Knowledge diversity and simmelian tie in generating creative ideas: The importance of media multiplexity

Abstract

Why are some technology-mediated interactions between pairs of individuals more successful than others in generating creative ideas? To seek the answers to this question, we study the generation of creative ideas from a dyadic perspective. We examine the attributes of dyadic ties that influence the generation of creative ideas, and how the strength of influence changes contingently on the usage of multiple media. Our study augments previous research by examining the impacts of knowledge diversity, Simmelian tie and media multiplexity on generating creative ideas. We conducted a survey among students in a knowledge-intensive academic institution. The results show that knowledge diversity, Simmelian tie and media multiplexity can trigger the generation of creative ideas. However, the influence of knowledge diversity and Simmelian tie on creative idea generation is weakened by media multiplexity. We discuss the findings and propose future plan for this research-in-progress study.