Research at our chair pursues the goal of contributing to theory and practice predominantly in the areas of collaboration and networks within and between organizations. We regularly work with partner companies to generate theory-driven insights mainly through quantitative-empirical research. The results of our work are regularly published in world-leading management journals, such as the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Annals, and the Journal of Management.

The following research themes are currently at the center of our work:

In a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), Prof. Dr. Julia Brennecke and Hanna Hodel investigate the social networks of entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This project is joint work with Prof. Dr. Christiana Weber from the University of Hannover, as well as Prof. Dr. Anja Faße from HSWT and TUM. Over a period of 36 months, we will research key mechanisms that shape these networks and use qualitative and quantitative methods to do so. Particular attention is paid to the interplay of positive and negative relationships as well as financial and non-financial consequences of the relationships, such as life satisfaction. The research in this project not only contributes to expanding management, entrepreneurship and network theories, but also draws attention to a previously little-researched context - sub-Saharan Africa. In this research project, we are deliberately critically questioning the extent to which established theories in these research areas can be transferred to indigenous contexts, what changes they would need to undergo, or whether entirely new models and theories are required in some areas. 

The drivers and consequences of intra- and interorganizational networks are a central pillar of our research. Studies in this area investigate the interplay between formal organizational structures and informal networks among organizational members, often in knowledge-intensive settings. A project with an HR focus has analyzed the relationship between motivation and informal knowledge exchange among sales employees. Selected publications from this research focus include:

Brennecke, J., Coutinho, J. A., Gilding, M., Lusher, D., & Schaffer, G. (2025). Invisible iterations: How formal and informal organization shape knowledge networks for coordination. Journal of Management Studies, 62 (2), 706-747. (VHB-Ranking 2024: A, ABS 4, FT 50)

Brennecke, J., Sofka, W., Wang, P., & Rank, O.N. (2021). How the organizational design affects informal search behavior of R&D professionals – A network study. Research Policy, 50(5): 104219 (VHB-Ranking 2024: A, ABS 4*, FT 50)

Brennecke, J. (2020). Dissonant ties in intra-organizational networks: Why do individuals seek problem-solving assistance from difficult colleagues? Academy of Management Journal, 63(3): 743-778 (VHB-Ranking 2024: A+, ABS 4*, FT 50)

David, N., Brennecke, J., & Rank, O.N. (2020). Extrinsic motivation as a determinant of knowledge exchange in sales teams: A social network approach. Human Resource Management, 59(4), 339-358 (VHB-Ranking 2024: A, ABS 4, FT 50)

In this research area, we are among other things interested in the use of social media as platforms that promote innovation through interaction and knowledge transfer. In an ongoing project, we also investigate the interplay between analogue and digital knowledge exchange. The focus of this project is on how scientists in an elite research center combine technology-based and social search and problem-solving strategies at different stages of the innovation process to accomplish their tasks. Current publications from this research area include:

Han, R., Brennecke, J., Borah, D., & Lam, H. K. S. (2025). The use of social media in different phases of the new product development process: A systematic literature review. R&D Management, 55(1): 108-126. (VHB-Ranking 2024: B, ABS 3)

Integrating research on networks and leadership, we are interested in understanding boundary-spanning, formal and informal collaboration among founders and managers, for instance in the biotechnology sector. Informal networks in middle management and the impact of these networks on the behavior of leaders and team members are also of interest. An ongoing project examines the co-evolution between executive and supervisory board networks and strategic decision-making at the top of the firm. Selected publications from this research focus include:

Glaser, L., Fourné, S. P. L., Brennecke, J., & Elfring, T. (2021). Leveraging middle managers’ brokerage for corporate entrepreneurship: The role of multilevel social capital configurations. Long Range Planning, 54(4): 102068. (VHB-Ranking 2024: B, ABS 3)

Gilding, M.+, Brennecke, J.+, Bunton, V., Lusher, D Molloy, P., & Codoreanu, A. (2020). Network failure: Biotechnology firms, clusters and collaborations far from the world superclusters. Research Policy, 49(2): 103902 (VHB-Ranking 2024: A, ABS 4*, FT 50)

Schierjott, I.+, Brennecke, J.+, & Rank, O.N.+ (2018). Entrepreneurial attitudes as drivers of managers’ boundary-spanning knowledge ties in the context of high-tech clusters. Journal of Small Business Management, 56(S1): 108–131. (VHB-Ranking 2024: B, ABS 3)