New approaches for identifying and understanding complexity for product innovation success

With most complex business issues emerging from the inter-and-intra relationships of individuals, many business leaders are now attempting to improve the social conditions found within their businesses. In this paper, the author presents the findings of an exploratory research project which explores the potential of Social Network Analysis (SNA), as a diagnostic tool for visually mapping and analysing the social relationships found across the extended boundaries of a medical device organisation. With a clear visualisation of these relationships, the author examines network maps to identify and understand barriers that are likely to restrict the successful identification of stakeholders needs - one of the factors for product innovation or development success. From the findings, the author prescribes network specific recommendations for improving the social conditions within the organisation.