A Learning Perspective on Intraorganizational Knowledge Spill-ins

Keywords

inferential learning, knowledge spill-ins, active experimentation

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the role of intraorganizational knowledge spill-ins in the process of inferential learning. Drawing on the notions of knowledge reliability (the creation of shared meanings) and validity (the understanding of cause and effect), we explore how organizations learn inferentially in dynamic environments, where active experimentation rather than past experience is the underlying basis for learning. We find that intraorganizational knowledge spill-ins transfer heuristics crafted by one unit under local conditions of reliability and validity to other units, where they are reinterpreted and repurposed. Intraorganizational knowledge spill-ins emerge as a mechanism through which reliability and validity are enhanced for organizational learning.

Original Publication Citation

"A learning perspective on intra-organizational knowledge spill-ins", Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal, Edition 4, Volume 4, Pages 356-372, 2010.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2010

Publisher

Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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