| Author: | Cao, Huiyi |
| Title: | Patterns and dynamics of executive-interpreter networks in design-driven innovation processes : boutique hotels in China |
| Advisors: | Li, Mimi (SHTM) Liu, Zhaoping (SHTM) |
| Degree: | DHTM |
| Year: | 2018 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Hotels -- China Hotels -- Designs and plans |
| Department: | School of Hotel and Tourism Management |
| Pages: | vi, 163 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | The concept of Design-Driven Innovation (DDI) proposed by Verganti is disruptive for innovation research. While the Technology-Driven Innovation and Market-Driven Innovation has been largely discussed, the core of DDI, the design discourse, remains an informal, unpredictable and relatively closed small circle black box, especially in the hospitality field. The research described in this thesis is among the first attempts to disclose the pattern of design discourse. Grounded in social network theory and adopting a case study approach, the study explored the patterns and transformational dynamics of executive-interpreter network in the process of DDI. Three Chinese boutique hotels were selected as cases. Rich data were collected through in-depth interviews with all main stakeholders in the design process, and participant observations. The prolonged interaction between the researcher and the interviewees ensured the trustworthiness of the research. Secondary data from the internet triangulated findings from primary research. Findings emerged from the data indicate that in most scenarios, the executives connect to key interpreters through bridges, such as the media or brokers. During the three stages of innovation, the size of design discourse network follows a 'big-small-big' rule, its scope follows 'diverse-simple-diverse' trend, whereas the ties between executive and interpreters are moderated in 'weak-strong-weak' rhythm. Generally, the executive's DDI network is an open system, in which knowledgeable interpreters move in or out the network during the DDI process. Interpreters of culture production play a dominant role in the listening and addressing stages, whereas technology interpreters are active in the interpreting stage. The research concludes that transformation of the design discourse is basically determined by knowledge flow and DDI cost. Besides, four other factors are believed to influence the transformation evidently, (1) personal characteristics and entrepreneurship of the executive, (2) previous links between the executive and interpreters, (3) their attitude to innovative meanings and (4) rule of reciprocity in terms of economic interest and social benefits. The study contributes to existing body of knowledge of DDI and boutique hotel. Findings from the study confirm that the development of boutique hotel is a typical DDI in which new meanings are created. Due to the dynamic relationship between the interpreters and executives, each stage of the DDI demonstrated significantly different features, which may alter the direction of innovation. Practical implications were also discussed in the dissertation. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 991022180959303411.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.16 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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