Knowledge exchange in networked organizations: does place matter?

Main author: Mabey, Chris
Other authors: Wong, Amy L. Y.
Hsieh, Linda
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-21238
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description While many studies of knowledge exchange have been undertaken in private and service organizations, government and R&D enterprises, few have studied scientific interorganizational collaborations. Furthermore, in the literature on international networks there has been a tendency to assume that knowledge exchange will be inevitably enhanced by global dispersion. Two linked dynamics deserving further study are the role of geographic proximity and the role of information and communication technologies in facilitating knowledge flow across international networks. Studies of intra- and inter-firm knowledge transfer, managerial work values and cultural norms all point to China as being a fascinating counterpoint for the way knowledge exchange might occur in Europe. So in this study of the ATLAS collaboration, a ‘big science’ global network of 3,500 physicists, we explore the perceptions of two subgroups: UK physicists working in Europe and Chinese scientists based in Beijing and HeFei. Findings from 24 interviews and non-participant observation reveal that face-to-face working at European Organization for Nuclear Research (Geneva) is not without its difficulties, but for a variety of sociocultural reasons, it is primarily the Chinese scientists who perceive themselves to be inhibited from full participation in effective knowledge exchange.
format Journal Article
author Mabey, Chris
author_facet Mabey, Chris
Wong, Amy L. Y.
Hsieh, Linda
authorStr Mabey, Chris
author_letter Mabey, Chris
author2 Wong, Amy L. Y.
Hsieh, Linda
author2Str Wong, Amy L. Y.
Hsieh, Linda
title Knowledge exchange in networked organizations: does place matter?
publisher Wiley
publishDate 2015
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/21238/