Spatial Configuration Based on Amount of Communication for Organizational Creativity in Interior Design Firms

Abstract

AbstractThis study examined how physical office spaces can support the creation of knowledge related to creativity and to foster a communicative environment. This research aims to determine spatial configurations that can help facilitate communication for knowledge creation processes associated with creative works by focusing on knowledge creation behaviors (SECI Model), the amounts of communication, and social networks as the dimensions for measurement. Using the case study approach, this cross-sectional study examined two small-scale interior design firms in Malaysia. Space syntax VGA analysis was used to identify the potential space that would facilitate a communicative environment. Ethnographic methods were used to examine the empirical evidence, while semi-structured interviews were used to derive the SECI behaviors performed in creative organizations such as the firms in the case studies. The findings showed various spatial configurations and usage depending on the communication occurrences of SECI behaviors. Since organizations place high expectations on increasing knowledge productivity, the knowledge gained from this study can help workplace planners to propose suitable spaces according to an organization's work culture.