Crossing Boundaries: Stage-Gate Model as a Boundary Object - A qualitative study on the function of the stage-gate model as a boundary object in cross-functional work

Abstract

Industry 4.0 has set new market demands for traditional industrial companies to foster innovation. There has therefore been a heightened interest within industrial organizations to produce new products by working in cross-functional teams. Most traditional organizations currently use a traditional management tool, the stage-gate model, during new product development. This paper investigates the stage-gate model’s function as a boundary object in cross-functional work through a qualitative single case-study in a traditional industrial organization. It sets to explore the dispersed opinions of researchers on a management tools function as a boundary object. The purpose of this study is therefore to provide a better understanding of how a management tool, the stage-gate model, functions as a boundary object in cross-functional work. The findings show that boundary objects function in cross-functional work, when complemented with boundary spanning activities such as training, pulse meetings, informal and formal encounters. The paper provides further insight to the research field of management on boundary objects’ function when complemented with boundary spanning activities. The research further contributes to practitioners by highlighting the importance of additional activities and their support to the management tool used in cross-functional work.