Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Business (Research)

Department

Business

First Advisor

Ms Breda O Dwyer

Second Advisor

Andrew Shields

Abstract

This thesis examines tools used to measure social engagement in a Triple Helix cluster. Triple Helix members were identified in the following areas: Academic Institute, Innovation Centre and Public Authority. The main objectives of the study were to; 1) Identify how formal and informal communication occurs in a Triple Helix Cluster; 2) Measure and analyse communication within and between groups using sociometers and 3) Use qualitative techniques to establish the communication experiences of Triple Helix members.

A critique of the literature is presented pertaining to Triple Helix theory, Knowledge, Social Engagement and Measuring Social Engagement. The empirical approach involved using three apps deployed on smart phones to collect data which inferred social interaction. Further empirical data was collected via a survey and subsequently, interviews were held with multiple members of the Triple Helix cluster.

The main research finding was that the inter-group network indicated the presence of a Triple Helix communications network in operation across the three groups measured. Other key findings include; sociometrically collected data enabled the identification of super-communicators within and between groups; the necessity of using survey and interview data to fully understand the communication patterns found sociometrically; the perception of Triple Helix members that face-to-face meetings and phone calls were the superior communication channels for transferring tacit knowledge; the most central communication figure across the three groups was based in the Academic Institute; self-interest from a business and professional perspective is the key driver of interaction within a Triple Helix structure; membership of a Triple Helix gives members access to a wider source of knowledge and opinions.

Contributions to the literature and practice are presented along with areas for further research. These areas include; research into identity formation and how it impacts communications: investigation into how an app can be created to detect more types of social interaction; studying longitudinal network evolution; research into why some individuals are central to a network; use of multiple communication channels communicating a similar message to the same individual/audience; the opportunity cost associated with group cohesion and access to diverse sources of knowledge.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Coverage

July 2024

Download

Share

COinS