Pan, Shan-Ling (1999) Organising knowledge sharing in a dispersed organisation : a socio-technical perspective. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Knowledge has been identified as one of the most important resources that contribute to
the competitive advantage of an organisation. The organisational and social issues
associated with the development, implementation and use of information technology have
increasingly attracted the attention of knowledge management researchers. This study is
based on an empirical investigation of knowledge sharing processes from a dispersed
international organisation, Buckman Laboratories.
Through a socio-technical perspective, this research traces the interactions between
knowledge sharing practices and the organisational context. The conditions surrounding
the organisation of knowledge sharing as an organisational practice are addressed in the
case presented in the dissertation. In particular, the research has closely examined
knowledge management initiatives during the period of 1992-1998 implemented by
Buckman Laboratories, focusing on the issues of organising knowledge sharing
processes. The research traces Buckman Laboratories' experience as a networked, global
company organised as a set of linked knowledge-focused communities of practice.
Based on the findings of a case study of one unique knowledge-intensive organisation,
the research presents a model of organising knowledge sharing. It develops a sociotechnical
perspective to grounded field data and suggests that the experience of this
organisation can be considered as a particular form of knowledge management - one that
utilises various mechanisms for leveraging knowledge sharing towards sustainable
competitive advantage. The study concludes that enabling, integrating and co-ordinating
mechanisms play a critical role in establishing the multi-level context for the effective
assimilation of knowledge sharing practice.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Knowledge management, International business enterprises -- Case studies, Buckman Laboratories International
Official Date:	November 1999
Dates:	Date Event November 1999 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Merali, Yasmin ; Scarbrough, Harry, 1955-
Extent:	xii, 320, [6] leaves
Language:	eng

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