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Intimacy and innovation: A close connection

This study, conducted by researchers from Politecnico di Milano, Stockholm School of Economics, and Harvard Business School, investigates how intimacy influences individuals' sensemaking of innovation within organizations. Sensemaking is the process of understanding and framing new concepts and changes, essential for successful innovation. This research highlights the importance of time-bounded intimate interactions in fostering deeper understanding and engagement with both radical and incremental innovation.

How different types of intimacy contribute

The purpose of this study was to determine how emotional, cognitive, and listening intimacy dynamics impact employees' perceptions of the meaningfulness of innovation. By examining these dynamics, the researchers aimed to provide insights on enhancing sensemaking in various innovation contexts.

"Managers often picture that innovation happens in large brainstorming sessions, where people toss thousands of ideas. What we observe tells something completely different. Sharing half-formed ideas and exploring them in depth, require close connections in small teams, and the development of an intimate context where people feel safer to share especially unorthodox thoughts. Building trust through intimate interactions was crucial," explained Roberto Verganti, who is The Josefsson Family (Acting) Professor in Art and Innovation at the House of Innovation.

Key research findings

• Emotional intimacy significantly enhances the perception of meaningfulness in radical innovation initiatives.
• Cognitive and listening intimacy dynamics positively influence the perception of meaningfulness in incremental innovation initiatives.
• Intimate interactions, regardless of their type, play a vital role in fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

The future of innovation sensemaking

The findings of this study suggest that managers should encourage intimate interactions to facilitate sensemaking and innovation. Future research could explore how different organizational cultures and structures influence the effectiveness of intimate interactions in innovation processes. Additionally, examining the long-term impact of fostering such interactions on overall organizational performance would provide valuable insights.

"This research highlights the importance of creating moments of connection and trust among employees, which can lead to more meaningful and impactful innovations," Roberto Verganti emphasized.

This comprehensive study underscores the transformative power of intimacy in driving successful innovation by enabling deeper sensemaking and engagement among employees.

Meet the researchers

• Paola Bellis: School of Management, Politecnico di Milano
• Tommaso Buganza: School of Management, Politecnico di Milano
• Roberto Verganti: School of Management, Politecnico di Milano; House of Innovation, Stockholm School of Economics; Harvard Business School