2004
DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1040.0093
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A Knowledge-Based Theory of the Firm—The Problem-Solving Perspective

Abstract: I n this paper we develop a knowledge-based theory of the firm. While existing knowledge-based theory focuses on the efficiency of hierarchy in economizing on knowledge exchange, we develop a theory of the firm that focuses on the efficiency of alternative organizational forms in generating knowledge or capability. Our theory begins with the problem as the basic unit of analysis, arguing that a problem's complexity influences the optimal method of solution search and the optimal means of organizing that search… Show more

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Cited by 1,089 publications
(567 citation statements)
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References 47 publications
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“…A similar view is also expressed by Kogut & Zander (1996) which states that the company is an organization representing social knowledge about coordination and learning. The purpose of company managers based on KBV is to maintain above-normal earnings by continuously acquiring new knowledge or solutions that form a unique combination of existing knowledge (Nickerson & Zenger, 2004).Continuous excellence requires more than just the ownership of a tough asset (knowledge) but also requires unique and difficult to replicate dynamic capabilities (Teece, 2007). Augier & Teece (2009) defines dynamic capabilities as the ability to sense, exploit new opportunities, reconfigure and protect knowledge assets, competencies and complementary assets in order to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.…”
Section: Knowledge Managementmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…A similar view is also expressed by Kogut & Zander (1996) which states that the company is an organization representing social knowledge about coordination and learning. The purpose of company managers based on KBV is to maintain above-normal earnings by continuously acquiring new knowledge or solutions that form a unique combination of existing knowledge (Nickerson & Zenger, 2004).Continuous excellence requires more than just the ownership of a tough asset (knowledge) but also requires unique and difficult to replicate dynamic capabilities (Teece, 2007). Augier & Teece (2009) defines dynamic capabilities as the ability to sense, exploit new opportunities, reconfigure and protect knowledge assets, competencies and complementary assets in order to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.…”
Section: Knowledge Managementmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…We take the problems and challenges of smart towns as the basic unit of our analysis. In line with Nickerson and Zenger (2004), as well as Felin and Zenger (2014), we argue that a reasonable method of solution can be determined by understanding and scrutinizing a problem's complexity. We therefore follow a multi-phase research process ( Fig.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 88%
“…To tackle the above issues, we adopt a problem solving perspective (Nickerson and Zenger 2004). We take the problems and challenges of smart towns as the basic unit of our analysis.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…It is a systematic attempt to address these issues, paying explicit attention to micro-issues of motivation and cognition (Grandori, 1997;Osterloh and Frey, 2000), which is strongly inspired by the basic explanatory approach of transaction cost economics: Knowledge governance may be conceptualized as a sustained attempt to uncover how knowledge transactions ⎯ which differ in their characteristics ⎯ and governance mechanisms ⎯ which differs with respect to how they handle transactional problems ⎯, are matched, using economic efficiency as the explanatory principle (cf. also Nickerson and Zenger, 2004).…”
Section: Micro-foundations and Knowledge Governancementioning
confidence: 99%