Matthew J. Karlesky

Novel solutions are often created by combining existing but previously unrelated knowledge. Unrelated or disparate knowledge can come from different individuals, but it can also reside within one mind. This chapter introduces the concept of psychological bricolage, defined as the process through which an individual integrates previously unrelated knowledge to create novel solutions. It reviews research showing that psychological bricolage is facilitated when individuals can integrate social identities that are often considered separate or in conflict, such as family and work identities, or gender and professional identities. Implications for future research on ideation, innovation and entrepreneurship are discussed.