The paradigm of social network analysis (SNA) is widely recognized as a potential approach to analyze, evaluate, and influence communication processes. The author argues that SNA proves useful as a theoretical concept and as a practical tool for knowledge communication in research and development (R&D). The context of innovative knowledge generation in organizational R&D environments is introduced very broadly with reference to the existing literature. The pragmatic approach of networks is outlined as a powerful concept to grasp the social relationships between individuals as well as between social aggregates for conceptual and analytical purposes. Based on three case studies, methods of SNA are simplified and illustrated according to their basic steps to meet practical needs and show their usefulness for business practice. Moreover, the book provides examples for interventions and follow-up activities to improve processes of organizational knowledge communication based on SNA.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Contents
: Perceptions of Knowledge, Knowledge Society and Knowledge Management
Communities and Social Networks in Organizational Knowledge Communication Theoretical and Empirical Relevance of Social Networks and the Generation of Innovations Methods and Applications of Social Network Analysis as a Knowledge Management Tool Inter-organizational Knowledge Community Building Expert Identification and Knowledge Transfer Entrepreneurial Networking.
