Knowledge Retention through Low-Tech Knowledge Sharing Channels in Loosely-Coupled Networks: A Human-Based Approach

This study examines a human-based approach for knowledge retention that is evolving through various knowledge sharing channels in a low-technology environment with a strong emphasis on social networks in a loosely-coupled inter-organisational government-industry collaboration focused on regional sustainability. Using social network analysis combined with interview and observational analysis, our results show that a combination of close-knit community ties and group interaction promote the development of strong personal networks that provide continued access to group memory to retain the group’s knowledge

Inter-Organisational Knowledge Transfer among Research and Development Organisations: Implications for Information and Communication Technology Support

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the nature of knowledge transfer among key organisations in the New Zealand (NZ) research and development (R&D) sector. From these findings, practical implications for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) support were drawn. Knowledge-intensive R&D activities have seldom been investigated from a social network perspective. As Allen et al. (2007) point out there is a lack of research addressing the issue of knowledge transfer in inter-organisational social networks, specifically in the R&D sector. By employing social network analysis (SNA), this study addressed this gap and analysed and identified inter-organisational knowledge transfer structures and processes among organisations by focussing on three cases. Key themes related to SNA included the identification of the network topology, informal key roles of organisations by their levels of interactivity in the networks and their types of relationships for transferring knowledge. The concepts underlying social network analysis played a significant role in informing this research. Using a mixed method approach of case research and social network analysis, this thesis comprises an in-depth investigation into the nature of knowledge transfer among key R&D organisations in the NZ environmental sector. The mixed methods approach employed followed three consecutive steps for each of the three cases. First, a qualitative phase was conducted. Data were collected from workshop/seminar participants. This helped to achieve a deeper understanding of the field under study, and the results were used to develop an online survey instrument for the second quantitative phase. In this quantitative phase the online survey was distributed to employees of various R&D organisations. In total, 168 participants took part in this survey. Besides addressing SNA concepts, additional key themes covered by this survey were types of knowledge transferred, media used and preferred media characteristics as well as knowledge services for learning. In a final qualitative phase the workshop/seminar participants were asked follow-up questions in relation to key survey results with the aim of confirmation and explanation. This research aimed to address practical and theoretical issues alike. From a practical perspective, this research provides important background information on how to increase collaboration among R&D organisations in New Zealand. R&D key players, such as Crown Research Institutes, private research organisations, universities, government departments, and industry organisations, need to collaborate more in order to increase commercialisation of research knowledge, reduce costs (e.g. reuse knowledge) and drive innovation. From a theoretical perspective, this thesis adds knowledge to the application and further development of SNA concepts, such as tie strength, centrality and network structure, in an inter-organisational knowledge transfer context. Key findings were the definition of intermediate ties and their importance for knowledge transfer in inter-organisational social networks, recommendations of suitable centrality measures for knowledge networks and the identification of small-world networks in the R&D sector. Finally, implications for ICT support could be drawn. These implications may help increase inter-organisational collaboration. Possible ICT support was categorised into three levels that appeared useful in this study's knowledge transfer context: the individual level, the group level and the inter-organisational level

Knowledge brokering: an insider action research study in the not-for-profit sector

This study contributes an original, practice-based analysis of knowledge brokering in inter-organisational communities of practice in the not-for-profit sector. Defining characteristics of the not-for-profit sector include its social values, principles and practices. Existing literature understates or overlooks the significance of values and principles that are manifested in and enlivened through every day social practices and practitioner encounters. The study contributes by presenting knowledge brokering as a knowledge sharing intervention which integrates people, processes, values and principles into practice. Knowledge brokering and other practice interventions in the not-for-profit sector have to align with its social mission, if they are to be compatible and effective. This is especially so in multi-agency partnerships and inter-organisational communities of practice where collaboration and co-existence rather than assimilation are the primary objectives. This study finds that values-compatible knowledge brokering interventions, boundary bridging, co-creation, common artefacts and knowledge sharing, enable inter-organisational communities of practice to evolve without sacrificing individual autonomy. Foundational knowledge brokering literature emphasises the structural position of the knowledge broker, their knowledge superiority and the benefits they accrue by operating on the periphery of a social network. The study contributes by arguing that knowledge brokering processes and roles can be examined through an alternative practice lens with the knowledge broker as an internal co-practitioner located within a network. The study was carried out in a new, time-limited multi-agency partnership project in the not-for-profit sector. The partnership constituted an inter-organisational community of practice comprising advice, information and support agencies that had agreed to work collaboratively to improve local services. The author was employed as the project s Knowledge Management Officer and carried out the study over a two year period using an insider action research approach. As an insider practitioner-researcher, the author contributed to the project s objectives, worked collaboratively with practitioners and gathered rich data. Action and research occurred simultaneously and the iterative processes enabled the cumulative learning to inform, develop and analyse the practice. The combination of using insider action research approach, an examination of knowledge brokering as a practice intervention and a multi-agency, not-for-profit setting, makes this a unique practice-based study untapping knowledge management lessons from the not-for-profit sector

Learning difficulties: collaborative inter-organisational information system use within UK retail supply networks

Inter-organisational information systems (IOIS) have been introduced to support collaborative retail supply relationships, yet how these systems are used is not well understood. This paper presents analysis of an ideographic case study of a dynamic United Kingdom grocery sector supply network. Using Archer's (1995) social change theory we explore how changes to buyer-supplier relationship structures re-conditioned individual actors' situational logics in a way that created network learning difficulties. Our analysis shows how actors' inter-organisational information system use reinforced pre-existing bargaining positions and improved already powerful actors' relative negotiating strength. This paper demonstrates the value of multi-level analysis in furthering understanding of the complex relationships between processes of network and individual learning

Electronic information sharing in local government authorities: Factors influencing the decision-making process

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in International Journal of Information Management. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2013 Elsevier B.V.Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are mainly characterised as information-intensive organisations. To satisfy their information requirements, effective information sharing within and among LGAs is necessary. Nevertheless, the dilemma of Inter-Organisational Information Sharing (IOIS) has been regarded as an inevitable issue for the public sector. Despite a decade of active research and practice, the field lacks a comprehensive framework to examine the factors influencing Electronic Information Sharing (EIS) among LGAs. The research presented in this paper contributes towards resolving this problem by developing a conceptual framework of factors influencing EIS in Government-to-Government (G2G) collaboration. By presenting this model, we attempt to clarify that EIS in LGAs is affected by a combination of environmental, organisational, business process, and technological factors and that it should not be scrutinised merely from a technical perspective. To validate the conceptual rationale, multiple case study based research strategy was selected. From an analysis of the empirical data from two case organisations, this paper exemplifies the importance (i.e. prioritisation) of these factors in influencing EIS by utilising the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. The intent herein is to offer LGA decision-makers with a systematic decision-making process in realising the importance (i.e. from most important to least important) of EIS influential factors. This systematic process will also assist LGA decision-makers in better interpreting EIS and its underlying problems. The research reported herein should be of interest to both academics and practitioners who are involved in IOIS, in general, and collaborative e-Government, in particular

Sustainability experiments in the agri-food system : uncovering the factors of new governance and collaboration success

In recent years, research, society and industry recognize the need to transform the agri-food system towards sustainability. Within this process, sustainability experiments play a crucial role in transforming the structure, culture and practices. In literature, much attention is given to new business models, even if the transformation of conventional firms toward sustainability may offer opportunities to accelerate the transformation. Further acceleration could be achieved through collaboration of multiple actors across the agri-food system, but this calls for a systems approach. Therefore, we developed and applied a new sustainability experiment systems approach (SESA) consisting of an analytical framework that allows a reflective evaluation and cross-case analysis of multi-actor governance networks based on business and learning evaluation criteria. We performed a cross-case analysis of four agri-food sustainability experiments in Flanders to test and validate SESA. Hereby, the key factors of the success of collaboration and its performance were identified at the beginning of a sustainability experiment. Some of the key factors identified were risk sharing and the drivers to participate. We are convinced that these results may be used as an analytical tool for researchers, a tool to support and design new initiatives for policymakers, and a reflective tool for participating actors

Capacity building through cross-sector partnerships : a multiple case study of a sport program in disadvantaged communities in Belgium

Background: Recent research has illustrated the need for cross-sector partnerships to tackle multidimensional problems such as health inequalities and sport and physical activity promotion. Capacity building is based on partnerships and has demonstrated effectiveness in tackling these multidimensional problems. This study aims to explain how cross-sector partnerships build capacity at the practitioner, organisational and partnership levels. The subject of this study is a community sport program (CSP) that aims to increase sport participation rates and physical activity levels. Methods: The study examined multiple cases in four disadvantaged communities in Antwerp, Belgium where the CSP was implemented. Forty-four face-to-face interviews were held with leaders from sport, social, health, culture and youth organisations that collaborated with the CSP. Results: Thirteen elements of cross-sector partnerships were identified as critical to building capacity at each of the different levels. These include: process evaluation, trust, mutuality, policy support, partner complementarity and fit, diversity of activities and period of collaboration-time. Trust in turn was fostered by a longer period of collaboration-time, better personal contact, clearer coordination and an external focus. Policy support was developed by support of partners and establishing clear metrics of success. Conclusion: Insight into the key elements of cross-sector partnerships that build capacity is given and several practical recommendations are suggested for practitioners and policy makers

Performance measurement : challenges for tomorrow

This paper demonstrates that the context within which performance measurement is used is changing. The key questions posed are: Is performance measurement ready for the emerging context? What are the gaps in our knowledge? and Which lines of enquiry do we need to pursue? A literature synthesis conducted by a team of multidisciplinary researchers charts the evolution of the performance-measurement literature and identifies that the literature largely follows the emerging business and global trends. The ensuing discussion introduces the currently emerging and predicted future trends and explores how current knowledge on performance measurement may deal with the emerging context. This results in identification of specific challenges for performance measurement within a holistic systems-based framework. The principle limitation of the paper is that it covers a broad literature base without in-depth analysis of a particular aspect of performance measurement. However, this weakness is also the strength of the paper. What is perhaps most significant is that there is a need for rethinking how we research the field of performance measurement by taking a holistic systems-based approach, recognizing the integrated and concurrent nature of challenges that the practitioners, and consequently the field, face