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Beyond boundary spanners: The ‘collective bridge’ as an efficient interunit structure for transferring collective knowledge

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  • Zheng Jane Zhao
  • Jaideep Anand

Abstract

This research introduces a framework for selecting efficient interunit structures in facilitating the transfer of knowledge with different levels of complexity. We argue that while the boundary spanner structure is efficient for transferring discrete knowledge, it is inadequate for transferring collectively held complex knowledge. We propose that the transfer of such knowledge requires a more decentralized interunit structure—collective bridge, which is a set of direct interunit ties connecting the members of the source and the recipient units, with the configuration of the interunit ties matching the complexity of knowledge to be transferred. We suggest that while a collective bridge is inefficient in transferring discrete knowledge relative to a boundary spanner structure, it is more efficient for transferring collective knowledge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Zheng Jane Zhao & Jaideep Anand, 2013. "Beyond boundary spanners: The ‘collective bridge’ as an efficient interunit structure for transferring collective knowledge," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(13), pages 1513-1530, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:stratm:v:34:y:2013:i:13:p:1513-1530
    DOI: 10.1002/smj.2080
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Tzabbar & Bruno Cirillo & Stefano Breschi, 2022. "The Differential Impact of Intrafirm Collaboration and Technological Network Centrality on Employees’ Likelihood of Leaving the Firm," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 33(6), pages 2250-2273, November.
    2. Santistevan, Diana & Ekpenyong, Emmanuel D., 2026. "Orchestrating boundary spanning for sustainable value: The cross-sector work of multinational enterprises," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 61(2).
    3. Ann-Kristin Zobel & Lukas Falcke & Stephen D. Comello, 2024. "A Temporal Perspective on Boundary Spanning: Engagement Dynamics and Implications for Knowledge Transfer," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(2), pages 474-495, March.
    4. Kiran S. Awate & Rajat Khanna & Kannan Srikanth, 2025. "Big Shoes to Fill: How Star Search Behavior and Network Structure Influence Coinventor Mobility and Innovation Performance upon Star Exit," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 36(6), pages 2264-2283, November.
    5. Tiffany D. Johnson & Aparna Joshi & Glen E. Kreiner, 2023. "Bridgework: A Model of Brokering Relationships Across Social Boundaries in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 34(4), pages 1458-1486, July.

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