Knowledge transfer in knowledge-intensive organizations: the crucial role of improvisation in transferring and protecting knowledge

摘要

Purpose - This paper aims to answer the question: how do knowledge workers' improvisation processes promote both knowledge transfer and protection in knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs)? A model is proposed identifying how effective improvisation can strengthen the effect of four specific knowledge transfer mechanisms - an experimental culture, minimal structures, the practice of storytelling and shared mental models - on knowledge transfer inside the organization and knowledge protection outside of it.