Structural Interventions in Electronic Networks of Practice: A Dynamic Grid/Group Model of Growth and Decline

摘要

Electronic networks of practice can help an organizations discover and share knowledge more effectively by facilitating learning both from within the organization as well as from entities outside the organization. In those instances where firms have linkages with outside organizations, however, the acquisition and sharing of knowledge takes place free from the constraints of hierarchy and local rules. These networks can be characterized as loosely structured, and generally self-organizing, which are made up of individuals who voluntarily participate in the creation and sharing of knowledge. Building networks without formal boundaries is a challenging task for any organization. This is because those responsible for building them must not only have to encourage the use of the new tools, but also refrain from intervening too often or with too heavy a hand. The objective of this paper is to conceptualize a simulation model, with which we can test the effects of structural interventions in electronic network of practice. The simulation model described in this paper is based on an explicit dynamic theory derived from the relevant literature. Simulation results indicate that: (a) too much structure (rules, regulations, and group commitment) can result in a decline of network attractiveness; (b) lack of structural interventions can lead to a network that only attracts those people who prefer an environment without any form of control.