Is Popularity Hindering Innovation in Your Business?

According to a recent study conducted by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, people are most likely to talk about things they think they have in common with others, rather than topics or ideas that are more unusual. The study looked at the human need to share common ground with someone they are talking to, which, according to the study’s initial hypothesis, could have the unfortunate side effect of blocking many of the best and most innovative ideas from the collective company consciousness.

The study found that conversations between people seeking common ground can influence which ideas and people gain prominence in a company. However, the most prominent people in your organization are not always the ones producing the highest quality work; they might just be the most well known (e.g., Paris Hilton is more famous for doing nothing than Martti Ahtisaari is for winning the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize). The tendency for employees to hold back on lesser-known ideas or unpopular opinions can have a negative impact on several areas of a company, including morale, culture, and productivity.

The authors of the study concluded that “leaders and change agents should try to introduce the ideas and elements they would like to be absorbed into the culture in ways that make them serve as fodder for ongoing conversations. That could have a big impact on whether these ideas quickly fade away or stick around for good.” More information on this study can be found at gsb.stanford.edu/news/research/fast_commongroup.html.