Theoretical and empirical research on the effects of organizational openness on problem solving and decision making

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K17158
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Management
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: INAMIZU Nobuyuki 東京大学, 大学院経済学研究科(経済学部), 准教授 (50572830)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 経営学 / 経営組織論 / 意思決定 / シミュレーション / クリエイティビティ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study clarified the reality of the openness of organizations at the workplace level through field surveys using questionnaire surveys and close observation and worked on theorizing the survey results by modeling methods such as Agent Based Simulation. In particular, it examined the effects of openness on decision-making from three perspectives (Reliability of problem resolution, speed of decision making, and creativity). As a result, it was found that there are not only positive aspects but also negative aspects of cooperation through the openness of organizations. In other words, it was found that several conditions were necessary in addition to opening up the organization. Specifically, it is necessary to implement measures that suit the characteristics of each individual, create an environment in which employees can work in a variety of zones, and enhance the perspective of the organization.

Free Research Field

経営学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

組織のオープン化が1)確実な問題解決、2)迅速な意思決定と実行、3)革新的アイデアの創造と実現に繋がるのかについて十分な理論的・実証的研究が蓄積されているわけではない。また、日本企業を取り巻く環境が大きく変動する中、組織外部との連携をしながら、革新的な製品・サービスを素早く、確実に実現することがますます求められるようになっている。本研究の成果は、学術界のみならず、効果的なイノベーションやそのための組織デザインに課題を持つ実業界にとっても意義がある。