Complexity and Social Networks Blog

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7 February 2006

Knowledge Networks: Knowledge Transfer within and between Organizations

In his 1999 paper on the "Search-and-Transfer" problem, Hansen introduced the notion of knowledge networks. In a product development context, Hansen finds that tie strength and knowledge tacitness moderate the ability of an organization to locate and exchange knowledge between organizational subunits.

Building on a current class discussion in the context of our latest course here at the Kennedy School, given by David Lazer(Network Analysis for Managers and Analysts), we have raised the question how feasible it might be to apply social network analysis for management and consulting purposes in industry. We asked whether or not it is possible to construct knowledge networks among firms by conducting a series of interviews in various firms.

A point we have really been discussing on is: To what extent will firms be willing and able to provide information about their knowledge search-and-transfer behavior in their inter- vs. intraorganizational knowledge networks?

The reference we use is:
Hansen, M. T. 1999. The Search-Transfer Problem: The Role of Weak Ties in Sharing Knowledge across Organization Subunits. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(1): pp. 82-111

Posted by Thomas Langenberg at February 7, 2006 12:30 AM

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Comments

Posted by: Valdis at February 8, 2006 1:07 PM

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