JOURNAL OF STRATEGIC INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
A Goal-Based Perspective of Knowledge Spillover within Organizations
Author(s): Kimberly K. Merriman, Dae-il Nam
Citation: Kimberly K. Merriman, Dae-il Nam, (2012) "A Goal-Based Perspective of Knowledge Spillover within Organizations," Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability, Vol. 8, Iss. 2, p. 9 - 21
Article Type: Research paper
Publisher: North American Business Press
Abstract:
This study applies a goal-based perspective to predict when innovation projects will contribute useful
new knowledge beyond their original scope to the originating firm (i.e., internal knowledge spillover).
Longitudinal data from a cross-section of R&D projects support predictions for perceived goal challenge
and implicit learning-goal emphasis as stimuli of internal knowledge spillover. The instrumentality of
knowledge spillover is corroborated by its relationship with knowledge-related project outcomes such as
patent applications 3 to 5 years post the study baseline. Findings extend empirical support for goal-
setting precepts to a real-world innovation context and offer practical implications for performance
management.