Abstract
This Research investigates the origins of innovation from a social perspective. It identifies status and social capital as two constructs that could elucidate the social construction of innovation. Drawing on the expectation states theory, signalling mechanism of status, three dimensional conceptualisation of social capital, and the network model of innovation, this thesis develops theoretical frameworks,in which the effect of status on innovation is theorised through the mediating role of social capital dimensions. Following a social network analysis research design, the proposed models are tested in an empirical study. Relational data is collected from 121 individuals, and analysed through mediation analysis in PROCESS macro. The results show strong evidence that three dimensions of social capital both independently and collectively mediate the effect of status on innovation. The findings illustrate how and to what extent different perceptions regarding the social rankings of the actors could end up influencing their innovative contribution, through affecting their social network, and thereby regulating the access to the socially available resources. The outcomes contribute to the literature by advancing the understanding regarding its social origins of innovation. The empirical evidence indicate that the social antecedents of innovation are not limited to the social interactions, but they have much deeper roots into individuals’ social attributes, namely perceived status. Moreover, the mediating role of social capital dimensions offers an explanation on how perceived status of individuals could influence their contribution to product innovation.