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Relational work and the knowledge transfer process : rituals in rural Ghana

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Slavova, Mira and Metiu, Anca (2022) Relational work and the knowledge transfer process : rituals in rural Ghana. Organization Science, 33 (1). pp. 332-352. doi:10.1287/orsc.2021.1441 ISSN 1047-7039.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.1441

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Abstract

We advance understandings of knowledge transfer by showing the central role of symbolic action, taking the form of ritual, in contexts characterized by worldview differences. Using qualitative data from interactions between farming communities in rural Ghana and agriculture development specialists, we examine how rituals do relational work that enables informational work. We find that rituals (i.e., visits, value affirmations, gift-giving, prayer, performing, storytelling) do so by means of their functions–bracketing worldview differences, modeling collaboration between farmers and agriculture development specialists, and packaging new knowledge in displays of compatibility. Our work also expands scholarship on the role of rituals in organizations and on management practices in Africa. Overall, our paper offers a complex, comprehensive view of knowledge transfer as involving both relational and informational work and relying on both symbolic action and tangible elements.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BD Speculative Philosophy
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GT Manners and customs
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Knowledge, Theory of , Technology transfer -- Economic aspects, Knowledge management -- Economic aspects -- Ghana, Ritual -- Ghana, Rites and ceremonies -- Ghana
Journal or Publication Title: Organization Science
Publisher: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (I N F O R M S)
ISSN: 1047-7039
Official Date: January 2022
Dates:
DateEvent
January 2022Published
8 March 2021Available
16 November 2020Accepted
Volume: 33
Number: 1
Page Range: pp. 332-352
DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2021.1441
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access (Creative Commons)
Date of first compliant deposit: 7 December 2020
Date of first compliant Open Access: 7 December 2020
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