Between trust and control in R&D alliances

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-269
Author(s):  
Kaisa Henttonen ◽  
Pia Hurmelinna-Laukkanen ◽  
Kirsimarja Blomqvist

Purpose Trust and control through contracting have been juxtaposed in many studies addressing interorganizational collaboration and knowledge exchange. In this study, the authors move from the opposite ends of a continuum between trust as an attitude and control exercised through formal contracts toward the center of the continuum where trust and contracting start to show similar features. The authors ask how trust in its analytical form and control gained through establishing informal protection for knowledge assets affect the innovation and market performance of firms engaged in research and development (R&D) alliances. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine the existing literature and conduct a quantitative empirical study to answer the research question. Findings The authors find, first, that controlling an organization’s own knowledge assets in R&D alliances with informal means of protection can be more effective than a strategy of controlling the alliance through formal contracts. Second, the authors find that an analytical audit of partner trustworthiness, and especially partner capabilities and goodwill can be more effective than trust as an attitude. Research limitations/implications The findings support softening the sharp distinction between trust and control and provide evidence on the relevance of highlighting the firm point of view in knowledge management in R&D alliance governance. Originality/value The study adds to the existing understanding of trust and control in R&D alliance governance. Specifically, the authors turn the focus from interorganizational governance to intra-organizational knowledge management measures, and particularly toward how a focal actor can take an analytical approach to evaluate partner trustworthiness and use informal control in protecting its own knowledge assets. Consequently, this study also provides a plausible explanation for the contradictory findings in studies that examine the relationship between trust and control. The study indicates that depending on the specific nature of trust and control, they can be either a complement or a supplement factors: the extreme forms of trust and control are notably different from those forms that share similar features.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joelle Rodway ◽  
Stephen MacGregor ◽  
Alan Daly ◽  
Yi-Hwa Liou ◽  
Susan Yonezawa ◽  
...  

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to offer a conceptual understanding of knowledge brokering from a sociometric point-of-view; and (2) to provide an empirical example of this conceptualization in an education context.Design/methodology/approachWe use social network theory and analysis tools to explore knowledge exchange patterns among a group of teachers, instructional coaches and administrators who are collectively seeking to build increased capacity for effective mathematics instruction. We propose the concept of network activity to measure direct and indirect knowledge brokerage through the use of degree and betweenness centrality measures. Further, we propose network utility—measured by tie multiplexity—as a second key component of effective knowledge brokering.FindingsOur findings suggest significant increases in both direct and indirect knowledge brokering activity across the network over time. Teachers, in particular, emerge as key knowledge brokers within this networked learning community. Importantly, there is also an increase in the number of resources exchanged through network relationships over time; the most active knowledge brokers in this social ecosystem are those individuals who are exchanging multiple forms of knowledge.Originality/valueThis study focuses on knowledge brokering as it presents itself in the relational patterns among educators within a social ecosystem. While it could be that formal organizational roles may encapsulate knowledge brokering across physical structures with an education system (e.g. between schools and central offices), these individuals are not necessarily the people who are most effectively brokering knowledge across actors within the broader social network.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-368
Author(s):  
Waled Younes E. Alazzabi ◽  
Hasri Mustafa ◽  
Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and provide insights into corruption and the control procedures from an Islamic perspective. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts qualitative research approach using the holy Quran as a primary source and hadith of the Prophet Mohammed supported by the anecdotes of his companions as a secondary source and prior literature. Findings This paper offers an Islamic taxonomy of corruption that contains economic, managerial, financial, political, environmental, social and ethical corruption which is explicitly prohibited because of their consequence on societies. Islam establishes proactive, preventive, detecting and reactive procedures to control corruption and prescribes how to avoid its harmful consequences. The paper also reveals significant concepts in relation to individuals’ qualities that if taken care of, better chances to reduce corruption and better living conditions can be accomplished. Research limitations/implications The paper recommends means to the business community through providing managerial and practical procedures which can be used for limiting corruption effectively. However, this piece of work provides further explanations on corruption to improve our understanding on such a phenomenon and contributes to the literature from the perspective of Islam point of view. Originality/value The paper contributes to the debate on corruption, human, religion and control from an Islamic point of view, which is lacking. This paper finds evidence that loss of belief is a situational factor that leads to corrupt acts. Also, moral teaching in early ages is necessary for inner and self-control. Moral renovation is an influential factor that keeps individuals motivated and refrain from indulging into corrupt acts.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriaki Yasaka

Purpose This report aims to focus on how suspicious transaction report is created with data mining methods and used from the point of view of knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers data mining versus knowledge management in the anti-money laundering (AML) field. Findings In the AML field, the information and knowledge gained are not necessarily used for or shared with the related shareholders. Creating and co-evolving the network of “knowledge professionals” is the impending assignment in this industry. The first and most important task is knowledge management in the global AML field. Originality/value The report considers the creation with data mining methods and utilization from the point of view of knowledge management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 759-775
Author(s):  
Jason Salisbury

PurposeThe purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate how school and district leaders supported the youth of color leadership initiatives at the district and school levels in ways to advance youth agencies and transformative change. The specific research question guiding this study was What actions do formalized leaders engage in to share leadership opportunities with the youth of color that protect student agencies and control?Design/methodology/approachA multi-site qualitative case study design was used, drawing on the understanding of shared leadership and student voice as analytical lenses.FindingsLeaders across both sites supported the youth of color leadership in three ways: (1) being open to new and different sources of knowledge related to persistent issues of inequity in their schools; (2) initiating spaces for the youth of color to engage in leadership and (3) buffering student leaders from outside pressures.Research limitations/implicationsThis research demonstrates the ways leaders with positional power can support youth of color leadership while not removing youth agencies and independence.Originality/valueThis manuscript contributes to existing scholarship by demonstrating how the understanding of shared leadership and student voice scholarship combines to deepen understanding of supporting youth of color leadership.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 734-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish Dave ◽  
Kanhaiya Singh ◽  
Arya Kumar ◽  
Sachin Kumar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop knowledge management constructs comprising of KM processes and KM practices through marketing and sales to derive competitive advantage (CA) in the cement industry. Design/methodology/approach A thorough and detailed analysis of the literature was carried out to develop the measures for KM practices, KM processes and their impact on CA. A total of 65 variables affecting competitiveness in the form of questionnaire were developed. The questionnaire was administered through e-mail to 962 territory sales managers (TSM) and equivalent employed in the marketing and sales function of the cement organizations in India. A total of 121 valid and complete responses were received, representing a response rate of 12.6 percent. The factor analysis was carried out on the data collected to establish reliability and validity of the measures. Findings A total of seven constructs pertaining to knowledge management practices and processes and competitiveness that comprises of 65 variables have been developed. The statistical results establish that the constructs and the variables considered in the study are reliable and valid. Research limitations/implications The sample of respondents for developing constructs consisted of TSM and equivalent employed in the marketing and sales function of cement companies in India. Research scope can be enhanced in the future study by including middle and senior level managers in cement companies to better diagnose and understand perception of KM initiatives across different levels in the cement industry. The work can also be extended to incorporate inbound logistics and procurement that directly contributes to the overall value chain to have a holistic perspective. Practical implications The measures developed in this study would be effective management tools for the implementation of knowledge management initiatives in the marketing and sales function to ascertain their level of implementation and impact on the competitiveness. Originality/value This study is probably the first of its kind in India to provide KM measures combined for practices and processes to understand the relationship with competitiveness in cement companies pertaining to marketing and sales function. It provides valuable insights as a strategic tool for investing in KM initiatives.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2067-2085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricarda Bouncken ◽  
Muhammad Mahmood Aslam

Purpose Coworking spaces use the idea of spatial co-location that improves communication and knowledge sharing among independent knowledge professionals. Fluid work structures and a sense of community can facilitate work satisfaction, creativity and entrepreneurship. Fundamentals to those positive outcomes are the knowledge sharing processes between users of coworking spaces. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge sharing processes in this setting where researchers still have very little understanding. Design/methodology/approach Based on an inductive research methodology, qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews with a variety of users (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and firms) incumbent in various coworking spaces in Germany. Findings Co-location of individuals in coworking spaces is first about physical proximity and second about socialization and collaboration opportunities, which then advance cognitive proximity. Thus, co-location can facilitate tacit knowledge exchange, ignite the social disembodiment of ideas, synthesize domain-related knowledge sharing and promote inter-domain learning. The institutionalization of knowledge management services will allow coworking spaces to increase these positive outcomes. Practical implications Findings of this study are interesting for managers of shared spaces and traditional firms that use spatial co-location. The authors propose institutionalized knowledge management services to enable multifaceted and multidisciplinary knowledge creation in organizations. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the role of spatial co-location in knowledge sharing processes among independent knowledge professionals in shared office spaces. Thereby, this study provides valuable insights into a phenomenon that has received little attention even though its practical importance is high.


2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 573-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Xu ◽  
Rémy Houssin ◽  
Emmanuel Caillaud ◽  
Mickaël Gardoni

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the mechanisms of knowledge management (KM) for innovation and provide an approach for enterprises to leverage KM activities into continuous innovation.Design/methodology/approachBy reviewing the literature from multidisciplinary fields, the concepts of knowledge, KM and innovation are investigated. The physical, human and technological perspectives of KM are distinguished with the identification of two core activities for innovation: knowledge creation and knowledge usage. Then an essential requirement for continuous innovation – an internalization phase – is defined. The systems thinking and human‐centered perspectives are adopted for providing a comprehensive understanding about the mechanisms of KM for innovation.FindingsA networking process of continuous innovation based on KM is proposed by incorporating the phase of internalization. Three sources of organizational knowledge assets in innovation are identified. Then, based on the two core activities of innovation, a meta‐model and a macro process of KM are proposed to model the mechanisms of KM for continuous innovation. Then, in order to operationalize the KM mechanisms, a hierarchical model with four layers is constructed by integrating three sources of knowledge assets, the meta‐model and the macro process into the process of continuous innovation.Practical implicationsAccording to the lessons learned about KM practices in previous research, the three perspectives of KM should collaborate with one another for successful implementation of KM projects for innovation; the networking process of innovation provides a new way to integrate KM process in innovation; the hierarchical model provides a suitable architecture to implement systems of KM for innovation.Originality/valueThe meta‐model and macro process of KM explain how the next generation of KM can help the value creation and support the continuous innovation from the systems thinking perspective. The hierarchical model illustrates the complicated knowledge dynamics in the process of continuous innovation.


Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1731-1756
Author(s):  
Ali Akbar Haddadi Harandi ◽  
Mona Bokharaei Nia ◽  
Changiz Valmohammadi

Purpose The importance of e-literacy of staff in the digital life is fundamentally very crucial, to such an extent that it is considered as one of the primary conditions for successful utilization of knowledge management processes using social technologies within organizations. This study aims to explain and test a novel conceptual model to show the impact of applying social technologies on knowledge management (KM) processes in the context of Iranian organizations, considering the moderator role of e-literacy of employees. Design/methodology/approach Based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a questionnaire was designed. The sound questionnaires obtained from our sample size was 207 and respondents were experts in the field of information technology (IT) within the Central Office of Insurance companies in Tehran. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and path analysis. Findings The results indicate that the use of social technologies with the factor loading of 0.57 has the highest impact on knowledge exchange and 0.61 on knowledge utilization. In addition, the results indicate that e-literacy with the factor loadings of 0.69 and 0.74 has the highest impact on knowledge exchange and knowledge utilization, respectively. In addition, the impact of social technologies with the factor loading of 0.82 has the highest impact on e-literacy. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations of this study was the generalizability of the findings, which may be limited, as it is focused on one developing country. Also, the lack of full implementation of KM and the use of social technologies in the insurance industry may affect the obtained results. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is among the first of its kind which examines the impact of social technologies usage on the KM processes considering an important variable, i.e. e-literacy of employees.


2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacobus Philippus van Deventer ◽  
Cornelius Johannes Kruger ◽  
Roy Donald Johnson

Purpose – Academic authors tend to define terms that meet their own needs. Knowledge Management (KM) is a term that comes to mind and is examined in this study. Lexicographical research identified KM terms used by authors from 1996 to 2006 in academic outlets to define KM. Data were collected based on strict criteria which included that definitions should be unique instances. From 2006 onwards, these authors could not identify new unique instances of definitions with repetitive usage of such definition instances. Analysis revealed that KM is directly defined by People (Person and Organisation), Processes (Codify, Share, Leverage, and Process) and Contextualised Content (Information). The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The aim of this paper is to add to the body of knowledge in the KM discipline and supply KM practitioners and scholars with insight into what is commonly regarded to be KM so as to reignite the debate on what one could consider as KM. The lexicon used by KM scholars was evaluated though the application of lexicographical research methods as extended though Knowledge Discovery and Text Analysis methods. Findings – By simplifying term relationships through the application of lexicographical research methods, as extended though Knowledge Discovery and Text Analysis methods, it was found that KM is directly defined by People (Person and Organisation), Processes (Codify, Share, Leverage, Process) and Contextualised Content (Information). One would therefore be able to indicate that KM, from an academic point of view, refers to people processing contextualised content. Research limitations/implications – In total, 42 definitions were identified spanning a period of 11 years. This represented the first use of KM through the estimated apex of terms used. From 2006 onwards definitions were used in repetition, and all definitions that were considered to repeat were therefore subsequently excluded as not being unique instances. All definitions listed are by no means complete and exhaustive. The definitions are viewed outside the scope and context in which they were originally formulated and then used to review the key concepts in the definitions themselves. Social implications – When the authors refer to the aforementioned discussion of KM content as well as the presentation of the method followed in this paper, the authors may have a few implications for future research in KM. First the research validates ideas presented by the OECD in 2005 pertaining to KM. It also validates that through the evolution of KM, the authors ended with a description of KM that may be seen as a standardised description. If the authors as academics and practitioners, for example, refer to KM as the same construct and/or idea, it has the potential to speculatively, distinguish between what KM may or may not be. Originality/value – By simplifying the term used to define KM, by focusing on the most common definitions, the paper assist in refocusing KM by reconsidering the dimensions that is the most common in how it has been defined over time. This would hopefully assist in reigniting discussions about KM and how it may be used to the benefit of an organisation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri Tapio Inkinen ◽  
Aino Kianto ◽  
Mika Vanhala

Purpose – Recent empirical studies have suggested that knowledge-based issues are closely related to companies’ innovation performance. However, the majority of research seems to be focused either on static knowledge assets or knowledge processes such as knowledge creation. The purpose of this paper is to concentrate on the conscious and systematic managerial activities for dealing with knowledge in firms (i.e. knowledge management (KM) practices), which aim at innovation performance improvements through proactive management of knowledge assets. The study explores the impact that KM practices have on innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide empirical evidence on how various KM practices influence innovation performance. The results are based on survey data collected in Finland during fall 2013. The authors use partial least squares to test the hypothesized relationships between KM practices and innovation performance. Findings – The authors find that firms are capable of supporting innovation performance through strategic management of knowledge and competence, knowledge-based compensation practices, and information technology practices. The authors also point out that some of the studied KM practices are not directly associated with innovation performance. Originality/value – This study adds to the knowledge-based view of the firm by demonstrating the significance of the management of knowledge for innovation performance. Furthermore, the division of KM practices into ten types and the provision of the validated scales for measuring these add to the general understanding of KM as a field of theory and practice. This study is valuable also from managerial perspective, as it sheds light on the potentially most effective KM practices to improve companies’ innovation performance.


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