Integrating knowledge through information trading : examining the relationship between boundary spanning communication and individual performance

• With the global penetration of internet technologies, individuals may now cross organizational boundaries to communicate efficiently with others in various networks of practice regardless of time and space. Thus, when looking for help in solving work tasks, knowledge workers may just as easily contact individuals in rival firms across the globe as a coworker sitting at the next desk. As a result, management faces questions such as 1) how should firms manage employees' knowledge-sourcing activities when they span both intraorganizational and extra-organizational boundaries, and 2) what is the relationship between different knowledge-sourcing activities and individual performance? Grounded in the knowledge-based view of the firm, we investigate these questions using data from Europe's largest IT services and management consulting company. Our results provide evidence that organizations should support boundary spanning and participation in both internal and external networks of practice. Results suggest I) a positive relationship between boundary spanning communication and creativity and general performance and 2) a negative relationship between a reliance on colocated coworkers as knowledge sources and creativity.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

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