Knowledge Ecosystems: Technology, Motivations, Processes, and Performance (Doctoral Dissertation)

Abstract

Knowledge ecosystems include the influential relationships among knowledge technologies, motivational antecedents, knowledge transfer processes, and organizational performance outcomes. I perform three studies to investigate these elements of knowledge ecosystems and further contribute to the extant literature. First, I seek to research how knowledge technologies and organizational structure influence the accuracy of organizational knowledge in turbulent environments - to include research as to whether a top-down or a bottom-up approach to managing knowledge in organizations confronting environmental turbulence is superior. This premise of a bottom-up approach is embodied in knowledge ecosystems, which this dissertation explores from multiple perspectives across the three studies. As part of my inquiry, I suggest that knowledge technologies present knowledge transfer opportunities that augment organizational structure. This specific study employs an agent-based simulation as part of its investigation. Second, I seek to research how knowledge technologies augment the motivational antecedents of incentives, values, and competence-based trust. As part of this inquiry, I also seek to research whether knowledge technologies and motivational antecedents ultimately influence organizational responsiveness. Of note, I suggest that knowledge technologies influence the contexts associated with knowledge exchange in ways similar to how communication technologies influence the contexts associated with social dilemmas. This specific study develops and refines a survey instrument as part of its investigation. Third, I seek to research how the role criticality of personnel influences knowledge sharing vs. knowledge protection. As part of this inquiry, I also seek to research whether the role criticality of personnel ultimately influences organizational responsiveness and efficiency. Of note, I suggest that organizational responsiveness represents a performance outcome distinct from organization efficiency - thus separating two performance outcomes typically treated (to date) as a single performance construct in the extant literature. This study also develops and refines a survey instrument as part of its investigation. These three interwoven studies inform each other, integrating four elements that conceptually comprise knowledge ecosystems. Cumulatively, this dissertation examines closely both the theoretical and empirical dynamics present in knowledge ecosystems.