Management Information Systems Research Networks: Creating and Sharing Diverse Knowledge

Abstract

Certain social science fields have studied their knowledge sharing ability by examining social networks of authorships. The main point is to determine if the discipline has grown in a fashion that encourages effective sharing of diverse knowledge and the creation of new knowledge from the different subgenres that inhabit their field. Researchers in Management Information Systems have shown a great deal of concern for how their discipline has grown. Many fear a form of fragmentation due to a lack of communication across subgenres. Others are concerned that the discipline is methodologically bound, theories do not disseminate rapidly, or ideas cannot permeate tight knit clusters. We apply social network analysis to examine whether or not ideas can be transferred rapidly or created effectively via established authorship patterns that avoid the concerns. We find that networks are in place that are effective for knowledge sharing, but the field can still make strides in building networks that enable combining diverse ideas into new ideas.