Linguistic structures and innovation: A behavioral approach

We draw on the Sapir-Whorf theory of linguistics and its effect on cognition, to advance the theory of commercial innovation. We do so by analyzing the association between linguistic structures and innovation output. We evaluate three distinct linguistic categories (grammatical gender marking, the use of second-person pronouns, and the use of first-person singular pronouns) and demonstrate that the corresponding linguistic variables are strongly associated with innovation output and performance. Our paper makes several contributions to the literature. We advance management scholarship by demonstrating how the Sapir-Whorf theory of language relativity can provide a deeper understanding of technology development processes and the functioning of national systems of innovation. Specifically, our quantitative results regarding the association between the three metrics of linguistic structure and innovation have important implications for theory, policy, and practice. Finally, we contribute to the ongoing theoretical debates on gender inequality, group creativity, and collaborative innovation.