| Abstract: |
This paper introduces an attention-based view of idea integration that
underscores the importance of IS user interface design. The assumption is that
presenting ideas via user interface plays a key role in enabling and
motivating idea integration in electronic brainstorming (EBS), and thus
advances productivity. Building upon Cognitive Network Model of Creativity and
ability-motivation framework, our attention-based theory focuses on two major
attributes of user interface: visibility and prioritization. While visibility
enables idea integration via directing attention to a limited set of ideas,
prioritization enhances the motivation for idea integration by providing
individuals with a relevant and legitimate proxy for value of the shared
ideas. The theory developed in this paper is distinct from previous research
on EBS in at least two ways: (1) this theory exclusively focuses on idea
integration as the desired outcome and studies it in the context of IS user
interface; and (2) rather than debating whether or not EBS universally
outperforms verbal brainstorming, the proposed theory revisits the links
between user interface and idea integration as an attention-intensive process
that contributes to EBS productivity. Idea integration by individuals within a
group is an essential process for organizational creativity and thus for
establishing knowledge-based capabilities. Lack of such integration
significantly reduces the value of idea sharing, which has been a predominant
focus of the EBS literature in the past. The current theory posits that the
ability of electronic brain-storming to outperform nominal or verbal
brainstorming depends on its ability to leverage information system (IS)
artifact capabilities for enhancing idea integration to create a key pattern
of productivity. The developed theory provides a foundation for new approaches
to EBS research and design, which use visibility and prioritization, and also
identify new user interface features for fostering idea integration. By
emphasizing idea integration, designers and managers are provided with
practical, cognition-based criteria for choosing interface features, which can
improve EBS productivity. This theory also has implications for both the
practice and research of knowledge management, especially for the
attention-based view of the organization. |