Presenting Author

Inchan Kim

Paper Type

Completed Research Paper

Abstract

In this theoretical paper, we propose a mechanism through which social media may enhance firm performance. To do so, we tab into a time lens, entrainment—the alignment of the timing and pace of a cyclic activity with those of another activity. We then argue that firms with high social media capabilities can more easily entrain their innovation to the speed, type, amount, and range of contention emanating from external stakeholders. We further argue that firms that entrain their innovation to the contention can increase their performance.

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How Do Social Media Increase Firm Performance? Entrainment of Innovation to Contention

In this theoretical paper, we propose a mechanism through which social media may enhance firm performance. To do so, we tab into a time lens, entrainment—the alignment of the timing and pace of a cyclic activity with those of another activity. We then argue that firms with high social media capabilities can more easily entrain their innovation to the speed, type, amount, and range of contention emanating from external stakeholders. We further argue that firms that entrain their innovation to the contention can increase their performance.