Managing Knowledge Networks

This innovative book provides a thorough analysis of knowledge networks, focusing on how relationships contribute to the creation of knowledge.

J. David Johnson (Author)

9780521514545, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 October 2009

384 pages, 11 tables
25.4 x 17.9 x 2.1 cm, 0.9 kg

'David Johnson's book presents a comprehensive examination of how information and communication networks have evolved overtime in personal, work, and broader environmental settings. What is unique about this book is that it taps into and synthesizes years of important research in communication network analysis and applies it to current day thinking and problems. This book is a must-read for any one interested in studying networks.' Alex M. Susskind, Cornell University

The information context of the modern organization is rapidly evolving in the face of intense global competition. Information technologies, including databases, new telecommunications systems, and software for synthesizing information, make a vast array of information available to an ever expanding number of organizational members. Management's exclusive control over knowledge is steadily declining, in part because of the downsizing of organizations and the decline of the number of layers in an organizational hierarchy. These trends, as well as issues surrounding the Web 2.0 and social networking, mean that it is increasingly important that we understand how informal knowledge networks impact the generation, capturing, storing, dissemination, and application of knowledge. This innovative book provides a thorough analysis of knowledge networks, focusing on how relationships contribute to the creation of knowledge, its distribution within organizations, how it is diffused and transferred, and how people find it and share it collaboratively.

List of figures
List of tables
List of sidebars
Preface
1. Introduction and overview
Part I. Fundamentals: 2. Forms of knowledge
3. Network analysis
Part II. Contexts: 4. Context
5. Managing knowledge networks
6. Technology
7. The spatial distribution of knowledge
8. Bringing in the world outside
Part III. Pragmatics: 9. Creativity and innovation
10. Productivity: efficiency and effectiveness
11. The human side
12. Finding knowledge
13. Decision making
14. Summary and commentary
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Organizational theory & behaviour [KJU]