Tacit Knowledge Network Development: The Comparative Analysis of Knowledge Threads in Complex Systems

Abstract

Knowledge-based groups or communities are complex systems that emerge, evolve and mature through stages that display specific features and capabilities of the community or group. Understanding these capabilities and features are fundamental to building sustainable economic, social and learning networks systems. Understanding emergent behaviour within and beyond organizational communities requires understanding the social or sociological aspects in relation to the explicit formal/physical structures in the organization. Looking deeper into the development of informal networks across boundaries highlights the geographic structures and scales of knowledge flows and their influence on urban communities. Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine the theory of knowledge networks through applied research Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study approach, incorporating action research through embedded practice, utilizing interdisciplinary (or rather non-disciplinary) techniques and is thus a novel approach and application. Originality/value –This methodology translation of knowledge networks from theory into practice to yield little known or understood technical issues when working in social complex adaptive systems. Practical implications – The outcomes of the application contributes to the understanding of how, what and why sustainable social networks develop, offering the possibility of application in the field.

Keywords: tacit knowledge networks, small medium enterprise, company structure, formal and informal knowledge networks

JEL Classification: D21, D24, D71, D83, J24, L21, M13, M14, O32