Tournaments for Ideas

by John Morgan, Richard Wang


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Abstract

Governments and foundations have successfully harnessed tournaments to spur innovation. Yet this tool is not widely used by firms. This article presents a framework for managers seeking to organize tournaments for ideas. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of tournaments and then connects the theory with three recent innovations—the power of the network, the wisdom of crowds, and the power of love—that boost the effectiveness of tournaments. Short cases and academic studies illustrate the framework.

California Management Review

Berkeley-Haas's Premier Management Journal

Published at Berkeley Haas for more than sixty years, California Management Review seeks to share knowledge that challenges convention and shows a better way of doing business.

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