Knowledge is often assumed to be mobile and easily transferred but it is necessary to consider its deeper aspects that impose barriers to the knowledge flows within MNCs. Ambiguity plays a critical role in knowledge transfer (Simonin, 1999; Lippman & Rumelt, 1982). Lippman and Rumelt (1982, p. 420) stated that “ambiguity as to what factors are responsible for superior (or inferior) performance acts as a powerful block on both imitation and factor mobility.” In other words, ambiguity protects knowledge from being imitated by competitors, but also hinders knowledge transfer within an organization. Ambiguity can be defined as “the fact of something having more than one possible meaning and therefore possibly causing confusion” (Cambridge Dictionaries …show more content…
Causal ambiguity means a lack of understanding between actions and results, and is thus an effect of the characteristics of the knowledge. It creates barrier to knowledge transfer and inhibits learning process of a receiver. Reed and DeFillipi (1990) suggest that tacitness, complexity and specificity simultaneously affect ambiguity.
3.4.3 Tacitness
Polanyi introduced the concept of “tacit knowledge”, by arguing philosophically that “we know more than we can tell” (Polanyi, 1966, p. 4). It is a different dimension from the explicit dimension, existing in conscious cognitive processes. He illustrated tacit knowledge by the fact that we are aware of many objects without being focused on them, which does not make them any less important. Tacit knowledge frequently appears in economics
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First, in the initiation stage, stickiness refers to the difficulty of recognizing the opportunity for a transfer, which appears when a gap and knowledge to address the gap are recognized. The eventfulness depends on the difficulty of finding an opportunity and making a decision for taking action. Challenges appear when the purpose of knowledge seeking is not fully understood, when daily operations are not adequately understood or when appropriate measures of performance are missing. During this stage, causal ambiguity and irreducible uncertainty are present, because e.g. the source and the receiver have different understanding of the opportunity. However, if the source is perceived as reliable, problems will be mitigated and it will be easier to initiate the transfer. Second, in the implementation stage, the exchange of information and resources between the source and receiver begins. The eventfulness depends on the degree of difficulty to close the gap between the source and the receiver. Disrupted daily operations and poor coordination between the source and the receiver may cause high information stickiness. It is most likely that the motivation of the source and the predisposition of the receiver will be discovered at this stage. Meticulous planning can mitigate high stickiness. Third, ramp-up stage occurs when the receiver starts using the acquired knowledge. In this stage, unexpected problems
Second, “Transference of Elements Between Wholes,” to determine the participant ability to understand the inverse of changes. Third, the “Pendulum Task,” was used to determine the participants formal-operational thought and the competence in differentiating and isolating influencing factors for the occurrences of the swinging pendulum. Fourth, “The Possible and the Necessary,” used to determine the individuals’ actual operating assessment of what is real, possible and necessary. The results of these test suggest that their hypothesis was confirmed, the degree of instruction causes variances in cognitive responses. This article was not intended to show the differences between Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theories, the intensions were to demonstrate that they developed virtually opposing theories of these
Whereas, the individuals that do not familiarize themselves with the situation would be naïve and ignorant, causing them to create a false, simplistic illusion. Moreover, when you develop a true understanding you are able to control the situation. This is established when it is said that the habitant “[plots] its course and [watches] it as it moves”. The habitant is aware of the places the machine has been because he has control of the destination. When the illusion is abolished and a true understanding is established, then you are capable of attaining the power to control your own
Jackson, J. P., Clements, P. T., Averill, J. B., & Zimbro, K. (2009). Patterns of knowing:
T.D. Wilson (2002) makes a point of identifying several sources of articles, references and course syllabi with varying takes on knowledge management within organizations. Wilson is convinced that organizations misuse the terminology “knowledge management” and that their activities are more concerned with managing information than with the management of knowledge (Wilson, 2002). Wilson defines knowledge as involving “the mental processes of comprehension” or, as “what we know” and information as the expression of what we know and can convey through messages (Wilson, 2002). By researching the use of the “knowledge management” Wilson conveys that the terms knowledge and information are used interchangeably, which results in an inaccurate application
...bjectives and realize growth. Knowledge Management Knowledge management plays a key role in ensuring that the different functions and activities of a company are synchronized. In Google’s case, the purchase of Motorola (which has turned out not to have been the best business decision) probably could have been avoided if the knowledge within the company was managed and used better. Knowledge enables a company to create, recognize and distribute opportunities. When every employee of a company contributes his or her part of knowledge into the knowledge pool, it is very beneficial as it contributes to the overall success of the company. Proper application of the available knowledge in a company can offer several competitive benefits to both the company and the employees. Application of accurate knowledge at the correct situation helps a company to make good decisions.
“A map is only useful if it simplifies things.” To what extent does this apply to knowledge?”
How the Attribution Theory in an attempt to assign meaning/understanding to events on the basis of eith...
In his view, pure transmission of knowledge from the source to the recipient has no useful value if the recipient does not use the new knowledge. The key element in knowledge transfer is not the underlying knowledge, but rather the extent to which the receiver acquires potentially useful knowledge and utilizes this knowledge in own operations. It is necessary to consider cognitive processes, as the individuals engage in KS, both the sender and the receiver will cognitively process the exchange within the broader strategy, structure, and culture of their organization to help them find meaning. (Lecture 8)
Hansen M., Nohria N., and Tierney T. (1999), “What’s your Strategy for Managing Knowledge?,” Harvard Business Review (March 1999), 106–16.
The crucial importance and relevance of economics related disciplines to the modern world have led me to want to pursue the study of these social sciences at a higher level. My study of Economics has shown me the fundamental part it plays in our lives and I would like to approach it with an open mind - interested but not yet fully informed.
Lagemaat, Richard Van De. Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2005. Print.
In any organizations management would have to contend with any unavoidable changes that might take place. New machines, equipment, unstable business environment etc. can bring these changes. Successful implementation of the product therefore depends on the ability of the management to deal with the changes and resolve any emerging conflicts there from.
Knowledge is a currency meant to be transferred as frequently as possible in order to buy and sell ideas, information, and tools. Seeing knowledge as a currency allows us to invest in our structures and organizations so as not to cap the potential of not only the businesses, but also the work force behind those businesses. Mr. Si-Chi Chin excellently details why knowledge transfer is important. He wrote, “The goal of knowledge transfer is to train a system to recognize and apply knowledge acquired from previous tasks to new tasks or new domains” (Chin, 2013 p.3).
Knowledge capturing is a process by which the experts thought process and experience are captured (Award & Ghaziri, 2013). Knowledge regarding mask carving is heavily driven on the practice based perspective where tacit knowledge is superior. Therefore knowledge capturing tools tend to be on practice and technical aspects rather than capturing knowledge through codified sources.
Cognitive Psychology is focused on learning based on how people perceive, remember, think, speak and problem-solve. The cognitive perspective differs in...