22714: Using Bipartite Text Analysis to Assess Concept Redundancy (session 25430)

Conceptual proliferation and redundancy pose significant challenges to the productivity of organizational science. While scholars have long recognized these issues, defining and identifying redundancy remains complex. We propose a novel, computational review approach to assessing concept redundancy that balances the prevailing calls for greater parsimony with the value of conceptual variety. Our method adapts bipartite text network analysis techniques to prune redundant conceptualization and subsequently map a set of unique conceptualizations of the same abstract phenomenon. By offering a middle ground between parsimony and variety, our method seeks to enhance the clarity and productivity of organizational research while preserving valuable conceptual nuances. We first explore a rationale for our methodology and then we provide a short illustrative example using competing conceptualizations of responsible leadership. We conclude with recommendations for future applications, discuss limitations, and highlight how this approach can complement other review and conceptual redundancy assessment methodologies.

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