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Designers’ road(s) to success: Balancing exploration and exploitation

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  • Jacobs, Sofie
  • Cambré, Bart

Abstract

This study unravels different paths to success for independent designers and focuses on the balance between the artistic and economic considerations they have. Therefore, a comparative case study is presented for 48 designers looking into both business growth and perceived success. The configurational analysis explores the combination of different variables regarding success: exploration (artistic consideration), exploitation (economic consideration), job rate and tenure. The application of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis contributes to the exploration of a configurational theory of conditions that explains why some designers achieve business growth and perceived success. To achieve both, a fulltime occupation as designer is essential. No significant proof was found for simultaneously balancing exploration and exploitation to achieve growth. However, most pathways leading to perceived success show a balance between exploration and exploitation. These findings enhance the configurational understanding of the design industry and the development of a configurational theory of performance for creative professions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacobs, Sofie & Cambré, Bart, 2020. "Designers’ road(s) to success: Balancing exploration and exploitation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 241-249.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:115:y:2020:i:c:p:241-249
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.10.073
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wenke, Kathrin & Zapkau, Florian B. & Schwens, Christian, 2021. "Too small to do it all? A meta-analysis on the relative relationships of exploration, exploitation, and ambidexterity with SME performance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 653-665.
    2. Gornostaeva, Galina, 2023. "The development of digital commerce in the fashion industry: The typology of emerging designers in London," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 186(PA).

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