TY - JOUR
T1 - Classification of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms and their effects on networking capability
T2 - a multi-layer decision making approach
AU - Garousi Mokhtarzadeh, Nima
AU - Amoozad Mahdiraji, Hannan
AU - Jafarpanah, Ismail
AU - Jafari-Sadeghi, Vahid
AU - Bresciani, Stefano
PY - 2021/8/9
Y1 - 2021/8/9
N2 - Purpose: The role of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms (IOKMs) in learning networks is increasing so that the competition of business networks in providing innovations is highly dependent on the effective selection and application of these mechanisms. This study aims to argue that recognizing the classification of IOKMs and understanding their impact on networking capability (NC) makes the selection of mechanisms more effective. Design/methodology/approach: With a systematic review of literature, a comprehensive list of IOKMs, their main characteristics and NCs have been extracted. The authors have used a focus group for data gathering and a hybrid multi-layer decision-making approach for data analysis. Finally, the impact of IOKMs on NC was determined. Findings: By implementing a multi-layer decision-making approach, four categories of IOKMs including person-to-person, co-creation, team-oriented and informational are illustrated and their effects of NC are determined. Therefore, the findings of this research provide latecomer firms (LCFs) managers with a clear framework for selecting IOKMs. Originality/value: The literature review shows that the number of knowledge mechanisms, especially their inter-organizational types, is increasing. It has made it difficult for LCFs managers to select effective and efficient mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are listed, and few studies have classified them. Besides, research shows that fewer studies have investigated how IOKMs relate to NC. Furthermore, most studies on IOKMs have been conducted in the context of leading firms and LCFs have been neglected.
AB - Purpose: The role of inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms (IOKMs) in learning networks is increasing so that the competition of business networks in providing innovations is highly dependent on the effective selection and application of these mechanisms. This study aims to argue that recognizing the classification of IOKMs and understanding their impact on networking capability (NC) makes the selection of mechanisms more effective. Design/methodology/approach: With a systematic review of literature, a comprehensive list of IOKMs, their main characteristics and NCs have been extracted. The authors have used a focus group for data gathering and a hybrid multi-layer decision-making approach for data analysis. Finally, the impact of IOKMs on NC was determined. Findings: By implementing a multi-layer decision-making approach, four categories of IOKMs including person-to-person, co-creation, team-oriented and informational are illustrated and their effects of NC are determined. Therefore, the findings of this research provide latecomer firms (LCFs) managers with a clear framework for selecting IOKMs. Originality/value: The literature review shows that the number of knowledge mechanisms, especially their inter-organizational types, is increasing. It has made it difficult for LCFs managers to select effective and efficient mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms are listed, and few studies have classified them. Besides, research shows that fewer studies have investigated how IOKMs relate to NC. Furthermore, most studies on IOKMs have been conducted in the context of leading firms and LCFs have been neglected.
KW - Classification
KW - Inter-organizational knowledge mechanisms
KW - Multi-layer decision-making
KW - Networking capability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85100920121&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/JKM-07-2020-0579
DO - 10.1108/JKM-07-2020-0579
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85100920121
SN - 1367-3270
VL - 25
SP - 1665
EP - 1688
JO - Journal of Knowledge Management
JF - Journal of Knowledge Management
IS - 7
ER -