Global structures and local network mechanisms of knowledge-flow networks.

Marjan Cugmas,Aleš Žiberna,Miha Škerlavaj,Anuška Ferligoj,Celine Rozenblat

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0246660

Abstract

Understanding the patterns and underlying mechanisms that come into play when employees exchange their knowledge is crucial for their work performance and professional development. Although much is known about the relationship between certain global network properties of knowledge-flow networks and work performance, less is known about the emergence of specific global network structures of knowledge flow. The paper therefore aims to identify a global network structure in blockmodel terms within an empirical knowledge-flow network and discuss whether the selected local network mechanisms are able to drive the network towards the chosen global network structure. Existing studies of knowledge-flow networks are relied on to determine the local network mechanisms. Agent-based modelling shows the selected local network mechanisms are able to drive the network towards the assumed hierarchical global structure.

Highlights

It is well known that the various global network structures found within a company influence how knowledge is created by giving individuals opportunities to access and combine knowledge [1], and affect an individual’s willingness and ability to transfer more complex knowledge [2]
Because the aim of this study is to identify whether the selected local network mechanisms can drive the network towards the chosen global network structure, several different θs are considered
By knowing the relationship between the local network mechanisms and global network structures that are entailed, a company can adopt policies to encourage different kinds of communication patterns among the employees to promote the emergence of the global network structure that best suits the flow of knowledge

Summary

Introduction

It is well known that the various global network structures found within a company influence how knowledge is created by giving individuals opportunities to access and combine knowledge [1], and affect an individual’s willingness and ability to transfer more complex knowledge [2]. Among the many definitions of local mechanisms [3], Stadtfeld [4] relied on, Coleman’s [5] macro-micro-macro model places local network mechanisms in three classes: situational mechanisms, action-formation mechanisms, and transformational mechanisms. These three local network mechanism types can be used to explain a central puzzle in both sociology and social network research: How do micro-level network processes generate macro-level network structures? The paper addresses the question of whether the selected action-formation type mechanisms and transformational types of local network mechanisms can lead a network towards a network with the global network structure proposed in this paper.

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