| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
|
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||||
Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304
While the recent focus on knowledge has undoubtedly benefited organizational studies, the literature still presents a sharply contrasting and even contradictory view of knowledge, which at times is described as "sticky" and at other times "leaky." This paper is written on the premise that there is more than a problem with metaphors at issue here, and more than accounts of different types of knowledge (such as "tacit" and "explicit") can readily explain. Rather, these contrary descriptions of knowledge reflect different, partial, and sometimes "balkanized" perspectives from which knowledge and organization are viewed. Taking the community of practice as a unifying unit of analysis for understanding knowledge in the firm, the paper suggests that often too much attention is paid to the idea of community, too little to the implications of practice. Practice, we suggest, creates epistemic differences among the communities within a firm, and the firm's advantage over the market lies in dynamically coordinating the knowledge produced by these communities despite such differences. In making this argument, we argue that analyses of systemic innovation should be extended to embrace all firms in a knowledge economy, not just the classically innovative. This extension will call for a transformation of conventional ideas coordination and of the trade-off between exploration and exploitation.
Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, California 94304
jsb{at}parc.xerox.com
duguid{at}parc.xerox.com
History: Received: May 5, 2000;
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  T. Kuhn, A. G. Golden, J. Jorgenson, P. M. Buzzanell, B. L. Berkelaar, L. G. Kisselburgh, S. Kleinman, and D. Cruz Cultural Discourses and Discursive Resources for Meaning/ful Work: Constructing and Disrupting Identities in Contemporary Capitalism Management Communication Quarterly, August 1, 2008; 22(1): 162 - 171. [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. M. Jorgensen and H. D. Keller The Contribution of Communities of Practice to Human Resource Development: Learning as Negotiating Identity Advances in Developing Human Resources, August 1, 2008; 10(4): 525 - 540. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. Kieser and U. Koch Bounded Rationality and Organizational Learning Based on Rule Changes Management Learning, July 1, 2008; 39(3): 329 - 347. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 K. D. Miller Simon and Polanyi on Rationality and Knowledge Organization Studies, July 1, 2008; 29(7): 933 - 955. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. Willem, H. Scarbrough, and M. Buelens Impact of coherent versus multiple identities on knowledge integration Journal of Information Science, June 1, 2008; 34(3): 370 - 386. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. M. Cox An exploration of concepts of community through a case study of UK university web production Journal of Information Science, June 1, 2008; 34(3): 327 - 345. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. Raisch and J. Birkinshaw Organizational Ambidexterity: Antecedents, Outcomes, and Moderators Journal of Management, June 1, 2008; 34(3): 375 - 409. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Kuhn and M. H. Jackson Accomplishing Knowledge: A Framework for Investigating Knowing in Organizations Management Communication Quarterly, May 1, 2008; 21(4): 454 - 485. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. S Thompson, K. N Moore, and C. A Estabrooks Increasing research use in nursing: implications for clinical educators and managers Evid. Based Nurs., April 1, 2008; 11(2): 35 - 39. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Chia and R. Holt On Managerial Knowledge Management Learning, April 1, 2008; 39(2): 141 - 158. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. Jones Beyond embeddedness: economic practices and the invisible dimensions of transnational business activity Progress in Human Geography, February 1, 2008; 32(1): 71 - 88. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 J. Swan, M. Bresnen, S. Newell, and M. Robertson The object of knowledge: The role of objects in biomedical innovation Human Relations, December 1, 2007; 60(12): 1809 - 1837. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 F. Murray and S. O'Mahony Exploring the Foundations of Cumulative Innovation: Implications for Organization Science Organization Science, November 1, 2007; 18(6): 1006 - 1021. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Dodgson, D. M. Gann, and A. Salter "In Case of Fire, Please Use the Elevator": Simulation Technology and Organization in Fire Engineering Organization Science, September 1, 2007; 18(5): 849 - 864. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. A. Zahra, E. Van de Velde, and B. Larraneta Knowledge conversion capability and the performance of corporate and university spin-offs Ind. Corp. Change, August 1, 2007; 16(4): 569 - 608. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Ferdinand and D. Simm Re-theorizing External Learning: Insights from Economic and Industrial Espionage Management Learning, July 1, 2007; 38(3): 297 - 317. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Gittelman Does Geography Matter for Science-Based Firms? Epistemic Communities and the Geography of Research and Patenting in Biotechnology Organization Science, July 1, 2007; 18(4): 724 - 741. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 H. Kjellberg and C.-F. Helgesson On the nature of markets and their practices Marketing Theory, June 1, 2007; 7(2): 137 - 162. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Hoon Committees as strategic practice: The role of strategic conversation in a public administration Human Relations, June 1, 2007; 60(6): 921 - 952. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Ormrod, E. Ferlie, F. Warren, and K. Norton The appropriation of new organizational forms within networks of practice: Founder and founder-related ideological power Human Relations, May 1, 2007; 60(5): 745 - 767. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. Linstead and J. Brewis Passion, Knowledge and Motivation: Ontologies of Desire Organization, May 1, 2007; 14(3): 351 - 371. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 A. Jones More than 'managing across borders?' the complex role of face-to-face interaction in globalizing law firms J. Econ. Geogr., May 1, 2007; 7(3): 223 - 246. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 P. W. McDonald and S. Viehbeck From Evidence-Based Practice Making to Practice-Based Evidence Making: Creating Communities of (Research) and Practice Health Promot Pract, April 1, 2007; 8(2): 140 - 144. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. Handley, T. Clark, R. Fincham, and A. Sturdy Researching Situated Learning: Participation, Identity and Practices in Client--Consultant Relationships Management Learning, April 1, 2007; 38(2): 173 - 191. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Vaast What Goes Online Comes Offline: Knowledge Management System Use in a Soft Bureaucracy Organization Studies, March 1, 2007; 28(3): 283 - 306. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Katz and D. Te'eni The Contingent Impact of Contextualization on Computer-Mediated Collaboration Organization Science, March 1, 2007; 18(2): 261 - 279. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Seidl General Strategy Concepts and the Ecology of Strategy Discourses: A Systemic-Discursive Perspective Organization Studies, February 1, 2007; 28(2): 197 - 218. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Paroutis and A. Pettigrew Strategizing in the multi-business firm: Strategy teams at multiple levels and over time Human Relations, January 1, 2007; 60(1): 99 - 135. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
N. R. Quigley, P. E. Tesluk, E. A. Locke, and K. M. Bartol A Multilevel Investigation of the Motivational Mechanisms Underlying Knowledge Sharing and Performance Organization Science, January 1, 2007; 18(1): 71 - 88. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. A. Bechky Talking About Machines, Thick Description, and Knowledge Work Organization Studies, December 1, 2006; 27(12): 1757 - 1768. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Clarke and D. Butcher Reconciling Hierarchy and Democracy: The Value of Management Learning Management Learning, September 1, 2006; 37(3): 313 - 333. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Paruchuri, A. Nerkar, and D. C. Hambrick Acquisition Integration and Productivity Losses in the Technical Core: Disruption of Inventors in Acquired Companies Organization Science, September 1, 2006; 17(5): 545 - 562. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 E. Naveh, O. Meilich, and A. Marcus The effects of administrative innovation implementation on performance: an organizational learning approach Strategic Organization, August 1, 2006; 4(3): 275 - 302. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 S. Faraj and Y. Xiao Coordination in Fast-Response Organizations Management Science, August 1, 2006; 52(8): 1155 - 1169. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Kuk Strategic Interaction and Knowledge Sharing in the KDE Developer Mailing List Management Science, July 1, 2006; 52(7): 1031 - 1042. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Newell, M. Bresnen, L. Edelman, H. Scarbrough, and J. Swan Sharing Knowledge Across Projects: Limits to ICT-led Project Review Practices Management Learning, June 1, 2006; 37(2): 167 - 185. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
S. Yli-Kauhaluoma 'You Just Have to See It': Exploring the Forms of Expert Pattern Recognition in the Development of Chemical Technology Organization, May 1, 2006; 13(3): 393 - 420. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Whittington Completing the Practice Turn in Strategy Research Organization Studies, May 1, 2006; 27(5): 613 - 634. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. R. Tagliaventi and E. Mattarelli The role of networks of practice, value sharing, and operational proximity in knowledge flows between professional groups Human Relations, March 1, 2006; 59(3): 291 - 319. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Carlsen Organizational Becoming as Dialogic Imagination of Practice: The Case of the Indomitable Gauls Organization Science, January 1, 2006; 17(1): 132 - 149. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Cox What are communities of practice? A comparative review of four seminal works Journal of Information Science, December 1, 2005; 31(6): 527 - 540. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Swan and H. Scarbrough The politics of networked innovation Human Relations, July 1, 2005; 58(7): 913 - 943. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. Ibarra, M. Kilduff, and W. Tsai Zooming In and Out: Connecting Individuals and Collectivities at the Frontiers of Organizational Network Research Organization Science, July 1, 2005; 16(4): 359 - 371. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 R. Attwater and C. Derry Engaging communities of practice for risk communication in the Hawkesbury Water Recycling Scheme Action Research, June 1, 2005; 3(2): 193 - 209. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Chiva and J. Alegre Organizational Learning and Organizational Knowledge: Towards the Integration of Two Approaches Management Learning, March 1, 2005; 36(1): 49 - 68. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
M. Bresnen, A. Goussevskaia, and J. Swan Embedding New Management Knowledge in Project-Based Organizations Organization Studies, November 1, 2004; 25(9): 1535 - 1555. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. R. Carlile Transferring, Translating, and Transforming: An Integrative Framework for Managing Knowledge Across Boundaries Organization Science, September 1, 2004; 15(5): 555 - 568. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. Vaast O Brother, Where are Thou?: From Communities to Networks of Practice Through Intranet Use Management Communication Quarterly, August 1, 2004; 18(1): 5 - 44. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
F. Tell What Do Organizations Know? Dynamics of Justification Contexts in R&D Activities Organization, July 1, 2004; 11(4): 443 - 471. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Sturdy The Adoption of Management Ideas and Practices: Theoretical Perspectives and Possibilities Management Learning, June 1, 2004; 35(2): 155 - 179. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
D. Dougherty Organizing Practices in Services: Capturing Practice-Based Knowledge for Innovation Strategic Organization, February 1, 2004; 2(1): 35 - 64. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Contu and H. Willmott Re-Embedding Situatedness: The Importance of Power Relations in Learning Theory Organization Science, May 1, 2003; 14(3): 283 - 296. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Whittington The Work of Strategizing and Organizing: For a Practice Perspective Strategic Organization, February 1, 2003; 1(1): 117 - 125. [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. S. Brown and P. Duguid Local Knowledge: Innovation in the Networked Age Management Learning, December 1, 2002; 33(4): 427 - 437. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Swan, H. Scarbrough, and M. Robertson The Construction of `Communities of Practice' in the Management of Innovation Management Learning, December 1, 2002; 33(4): 477 - 496. [Abstract] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Kuhn Negotiating Boundaries between Scholars and Practitioners: Knowledge, Networks, and Communities of Practice Management Communication Quarterly, August 1, 2002; 16(1): 106 - 112. [PDF]
|
|
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
