The Paradox of Coopetition: When Intra-Organizational Competition Undermines Innovation

Bühler et al. (2023) present a framework highlighting the dynamics and positive outcomes of intra-organizational coopetition—where units simultaneously cooperate and compete. However, the “dark side” of this phenomenon is underexplored. This project will systematically investigate cases where internal competition between teams or business units actually undermines knowledge sharing, trust, and innovative outcomes, contrary to theoretical expectations. Using mixed methods (surveys, interviews, and social network analysis), it will identify the organizational structures, incentive systems, or leadership styles that tip the balance from healthy coopetition to destructive rivalry. This research challenges the prevailing assumption that coopetition is always beneficial, offering a more nuanced understanding that is critically needed for both theory and practice.

References:

1. Intra-organizational Coopetition: Antecedents, Dynamics, and Outcomes of the Interplay between Cooperation and Competition. Rafaela Nascimento Bühler, Lucieli Cátia Tubin, Gabriela Zortea Duarte, Jorge Renato Verschoore (2023). International journal of business management.