Knowledge Diffusion in R: Examining the interplay between Online and Offline Social Networks - Softcover

Whelan, Eoin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3838389115 ISBN 13: 9783838389110

Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2010

Synopsis

In today's knowledge based economy, successful companies are those that constantly acquire new knowledge and disseminate it throughout the organisation, and quickly embody it in new technologies and products. Previous research has firmly established the significant role of social networks in facilitating these knowledge flows, particularly in research and development (R&D) settings where the importance of optimal knowledge flows has long been stressed throughout the study of the innovation process. However, the recent prevalence of Web-based communication technologies, such as online forums, search engines, email, blogs, and wiki, have dramatically altered our understanding of what constitutes a social network. Underpinned by the technological gatekeeper concept, this study examines how the digitization of the social network, and the resulting interplay between its online and offline components, have impacted knowledge flows in modern R&D groups. This analysis will be of interest to researchers and practitioners concerned with innovation and knowledge management in R&D firms.

About this title

About the Author

Eoin Whelan (MBS, PhD) is a Lecturer in Information Management at the University of Limerick, Ireland. He received his PhD from the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2010. Eoin's research interests include technology enabled social networks, open innovation and innovation networks, and social informatics.

Edition details

• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3838389115
• ISBN 13: 9783838389110
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336