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| Author: | Tagliaventi, M.R. Bertolotti, F. Macri, D.M. |
| Title: | A perspective on practice in interunit knowledge sharing |
| Journal: | European Management Journal
2010 : OCT, VOL. 28:5, p. 331-345 |
| Index terms: | Italy international companies engineering industry machinery industry field research centralisation |
| Freeterms: | headquarters knowledge sharing communities of practice professional identity |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | This study examines the social processes underlying interunit knowledge flows as spontaneous practice sharing among peers belonging to different subunits. It is explored how practice-based flows develop btw. individuals affiliated with different subunits of an organization, and how these flows coexist with vertical structures, e.g. the headquarters (herein as: h-q). Based on a field study using semi-structured interviews and social network analysis in an Italian multiunit company operating worldwide, it is shown how h-q. and practice-based flows respond to different organizational and individual needs, thus setting the conditions for their probable coexistence. It is especially emphasized how individuals' practice sharing is enrooted in the need of affirming a positive professional identity, while benefiting the overall organizational coordination, as well. |
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