How Structural Changes in Complex Networks Impact Organizational Learning Performance

Somayeh Koohborfardhaghighi (skhaghighi@snu.ac.kr) and Jörn Altmann
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Somayeh Koohborfardhaghighi: College of Engineering, Seoul National University

No 2014111, TEMEP Discussion Papers from Seoul National University; Technology Management, Economics, and Policy Program (TEMEP)

Abstract: The power of using knowledge against competitors is a key success factor in the information age. However, the knowledge itself is not the source of competitive advantage for an organization; rather its power lies in its use. In a learning organization, collective knowledge of the individuals is needed, in order to reach the overall goals of the organization. From an organizational perspective, the most important aspect of knowledge management is knowledge transfer. Therefore, knowledge within the organization should be available to others through social interactions. The contributions of this paper are two-fold: First, we show that the network structure that emerges from those social interactions depends on the variability in individual patterns of behavior. Second, we emphasize the importance of network structure changes for organizational learning. A consequence is that a high clustering coefficient within a network does not necessarily produce a high learning outcome. It can even result in a loss of innovation. Another consequence is that a small average shortest path length within a network of individuals positively affects organizational learning. Therefore, certain topological features of a network can help network members to have a better access to information within an organization.

Keywords: Complex Networks; Organizational Learning; Knowledge Management; Network Formation. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C02 C15 C6 D23 D81 D85 L22 L25 M12 O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 17 pages
Date: 2014-03, Revised 2014-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-ger, nep-knm and nep-net
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Published in Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Emergent Intelligence on Networked Agents (WEIN 2014).

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:snv:dp2009:2014111

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