UNSPECIFIED (1995) Blackboxes, hostages and prisoners. ORGANIZATION STUDIES, 16 (6). pp. 991-1019. ISSN 0170-8406

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Abstract

This paper uses empirical evidence drawn from a sample of IT-based innovation projects to examine theoretical models of the organization of technical knowledge. It suggests that Williamson's transaction cost account is incomplete, in that it fails to take account of the role of social action in communicating technical knowledge and organizing transactions. As an alternative model, it describes the 'strategies of social closure' developed by IT experts to achieve effective knowledge trading and a mutually acceptable division of the economic gains of innovation. Empirical data is used to describe three such strategies: 'blackboxing', 'hostage' and 'prisoner' strategies.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Journal or Publication Title:	ORGANIZATION STUDIES
Publisher:	WALTER DE GRUYTER & CO
ISSN:	0170-8406
Date:	1995
Volume:	16
Number:	6
Number of Pages:	29
Page Range:	pp. 991-1019
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/19103

Data sourced from Thomson Reuters' Web of Knowledge

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