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The symbiosis mechanism for effective knowledge transfer

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  • S M Jasimuddin

    (Aberystwyth University)

  • Z Zhang

    (Eastern New Mexico University)

Abstract

Knowledge transfer is widely emphasized as a strategic issue for sustainable competitive advantage of an organization. To date, it seems that the soft and hard mechanisms are being employed for knowledge transfer. Although there is considerable variation in the researchers’ views about the role of the two mechanisms of knowledge transfer of an organization, this paper suggests a symbiotic strategy that recognizes the interplay between the soft and hard mechanisms. It is argued that the symbiosis mechanism falls somewhere between the rather divergent mechanisms. Drawing from the analogy of knowledge as an iceberg, the perceived explicitness of knowledge is contended to be the essential determinant for the proposed symbiosis mechanism. The paper then proceeds to analyse the tradeoffs of implementing the symbiosis mechanism. It is found that when an organization has similar unit costs of transferring explicit and tacit knowledge, it can ideally minimize its total knowledge transfer cost, aligning individual's effort with the organization's. The proposed symbiosis approach to knowledge transfer will provide powerful arguments for a more holistic view which is crucial for the effective knowledge transfer. However, it is to be noted that the model is a conceptual one, not an operational one in which the mathematics only explain a structure but do not guide the practitioner to find optimal solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • S M Jasimuddin & Z Zhang, 2009. "The symbiosis mechanism for effective knowledge transfer," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(5), pages 706-716, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:60:y:2009:i:5:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2602613
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602613
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barrett, Michael & Cappleman, Sam & Shoib, Gamila & Walsham, Geoff, 2004. "Learning in Knowledge Communities:: Managing Technology and Context," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Argote, Linda & Ingram, Paul, 2000. "Knowledge Transfer: A Basis for Competitive Advantage in Firms," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 82(1), pages 150-169, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aurora I. Maynez Guaderrama & Judith Cavazos Arroyo & Santiago Ibarreche Suarez & Jose Pablo Nuno de la Parra, 2012. "Identification Of Common Factors In Tacit Knowledge Transference Within Organizations, Identificacion De Factores Comunes Estudiados, Relacionados Con La Transferencia De Conocimiento Tacito Dentro De," Revista Internacional Administracion & Finanzas, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 5(1), pages 103-117.
    2. Silviya Georgieva & Maria Vasilska & Kostadin Kolarov, 2023. "The Use of University Research Products in Entrepreneurial Practice: Specifics According To Size Class of Enterprises and Sectors of Economic Activities," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 8, pages 142-163.
    3. Mounir Kehal & Zuopeng (Justin) Zhang, 2020. "Knowledge Management Via AUTomated Organizational CARTography (AUTOCART)," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 11(1), pages 239-255, March.

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