Internal vs. External Knowledge Sourcing of Organizational Rules: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In this study, we examine how organizational rules source knowledge from intra- and extra-organizational contexts. By knowledge sourcing of rules, we mean that rules reference knowledge sources located outside of rules. Knowledge sourcing of rules can be captured by formation of citation ties to the referenced knowledge sources within (i.e., other rules) and outside the organization (e.g., research publications, policies, standards, etc.). Our theoretical model proposes that knowledge sourcing of rules is driven by inherent incompleteness of rules as a result of bounded rationality of rule makers and rule making process. Incomplete rules can lead to experiences of insufficient rule knowledge, termed ‘knowledge gaps’, which are shaped by rule dynamics at the levels of rule system, individual rules, and rule networks. Our theoretical model leads to several hypotheses that we test with longitudinal archival data of clinical practice guideline (CPG) changes in a Canadian healthcare organization. We find evidence that provides overall support to our theoretical model. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.