Effect of Proximity Relationships on Creativity and Innovation in an Interorganizational Complex Project

Abstract – Many scholars have analyzed interfirm relationships and their effects on creativity and innovation. However, few have done so by focusing on client–logistics service provider (LSP) interactions in the context of an interorganizational construction project. By considering the polymorphic concept of proximity, this explorative work studies the existing ties between these two actors and tries to answer the following question: How does the relationship of the client–LSP dyad affect creativity and logistics innovation in a singular, long-term, complex construction project? A large construction project dedicated to energy production constitutes the case studied. In order to analyze the client–LSP relationship in the project, we used a qualitative approach founded in the main on eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews including six with managers in charge of logistics operations. The findings highlight proximity arrangements in relationships shaping three relational spaces that stimulate logistics creativity and innovation in different ways. This research makes an original analysis of the coordination mechanisms in ties, in the context of a complex and specific construction project, especially by studying the “in-between spaces” of the relationships. In terms of managerial contributions, the outcomes could be useful for practitioners managing these interactions in order to adjust them according to stakeholders’ goals of creativity and innovation.