Knowledge effectiveness, social context and innovation

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to conduct an investigation into knowledge-sharing mechanisms by empirically testing the role that context plays in the transfer of actionable knowledge, and, in turn, for innovation.Design/methodology/approach -A multiple-respondents survey was performed in 72 business units of companies belonging to the ICT, pharmaceutical and food industries in Greece. In total, 295 useful questionnaires were collected using a multiple respondent strategy. All constructs were measured with multi-item scales and validated using exploratory factor analyses. A total of seven hypotheses were generated following a literature review on the key determinants of context for effective knowledge sharing. The hypotheses were tested using ordinary least squares regression. Findings -The research shows that when units pursue knowledge transfer between their different actors, contextual factors such as trust, motivation to transfer knowledge, management support and learning orientation are crucial for fostering knowledge transfer and innovation. This contribution is important since the need for developing an organizational context where knowledge transfer and innovation flourish is constantly put forth in the business press, while the empirical and research based evidence for its importance has been scarce.Research limitations/implications -There is a research need in knowledge sharing theory to define and identify an integrated model concerning the contextual factors that enable the knowledge sharing process. Having established a firm relationship between organizational context and innovation, the research also sets a foundation for further exploring the organization-environment link in terms of leveraging organizational knowledge dynamics.Originality/value -The research is a first attempt to show that the construct ''perceived usefulness of knowledge'' is a critical proxy of knowledge transfer effectiveness, as well as to find support for its positive relation to innovation.

Knowledge exchange behaviours of science park firms: the innovation hub case

“…The knowledge can be new to the receiving firm, but if it cannot be used and contribute to the firm's development of new innovation, then such knowledge has low knowledge quality to the firm. This is in line with Brachos et al (2007), who pointed out that knowledge transfer actually occurs when received knowledge is used to lead to something new (i.e. ideas, products, deeper knowledge, etc).…”

Study of factors influencing knowledge transfer in family firms

“…Argote, Ingram, Levine and Moreland (2000) indicate that organizations that are able to transfer knowledge effectively from one unit to another, are more productive and more likely to survive than organizations that are less effective to knowledge transfer. Thus, it is crucial to ensure performance and sustainable growth (Brachos, Kostopoulos, Soderquist & Prastacos, 2007;Zack, McKeen & Singh, 2009;Chirico, Sirmon, Sciascia & Mazzola, 2011).…”

Trust as a consequence of perceived commitment: Implications on learning and innovation

“…Ello favorece el intercambio de ideas, objetivos y conocimientos, lo cual contribuye a desarrollar un mismo concepto de cómo debería desarrollarse la dinámica organizativa (Brachos et al, 2007).…”

“…Así, la introducción de nuevos productos y/o servicios puede ser interpretado como una medida de desempeño organizativo y creación de nuevo valor (Brachos et al, 2007).…”