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Global structures and local network mechanisms of knowledge-flow networks
Marjan Cugmas1, Anuška Ferligoj1,2, Miha Škerlavaj3,4
1Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Plos One
|February 16, 2021
Summary
This study reveals how local mechanisms drive the emergence of hierarchical knowledge-flow networks. Understanding these patterns is key for improving employee performance and professional development through effective knowledge exchange.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Network Analysis
- Knowledge Management Systems
- Social Network Analysis
Background:
- Employee knowledge exchange is vital for performance and development.
- Global network properties of knowledge flow and performance are understood, but network structure emergence is not.
- Identifying specific global structures in knowledge flow is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify a global network structure in blockmodel terms within an empirical knowledge-flow network.
- To determine if local network mechanisms can drive the network towards a specific global structure.
- To analyze the relationship between local mechanisms and global network formation in knowledge exchange.
Main Methods:
- Empirical analysis of a knowledge-flow network.
- Application of blockmodeling techniques to identify global network structure.
- Agent-based modeling to simulate network dynamics.
- Utilizing existing studies on knowledge-flow networks to define local mechanisms.
Main Results:
- A hierarchical global network structure was identified in the empirical knowledge-flow network.
- Agent-based modeling confirmed that selected local network mechanisms can indeed drive the network towards this hierarchical structure.
- The study provides evidence for the emergence of specific network structures driven by local interactions.
Conclusions:
- Local network mechanisms play a significant role in shaping the global structure of knowledge-flow networks.
- The findings support the emergence of hierarchical structures through defined local interaction rules.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies for optimizing knowledge sharing and organizational performance.
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