Knowledge, Networks, and Knowledge Networks: A Review and Research Agenda

Journal of Management, Forthcoming

66 Pages Posted: 9 Sep 2011 Last revised: 26 Jan 2019

See all articles by Corey C. Phelps

Corey C. Phelps

McGill University; University of Oklahoma - Michael F. Price College of Business

Ralph A. Heidl

Michigan State University

Anu Wadhwa

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship Institute (MTEI)

Date Written: September 8, 2011

Abstract

A large and growing body of empirical research shows that social relationships and the networks these relationships constitute are influential in explaining the processes of knowledge creation, diffusion, absorption and use. We refer to such networks as 'knowledge networks.' We advance an understanding of knowledge networks at multiple levels by conducting a systematic review and analysis of empirical research published on this topic in leading management, psychology, sociology and economics journals. We develop a comprehensive framework that organizes the knowledge networks literature, which we use to review extant empirical research within and across multiple disciplines and levels of analysis. We identify points of coherence and conflict in theoretical arguments and empirical results within and across levels and identify emerging themes and promising areas for future research.

Keywords: social networks, creativity, innovation, knowledge transfer, innovation adoption, interpersonal, intraorganizational, interorganizational

JEL Classification: O31

Suggested Citation

Phelps, Corey C. and Phelps, Corey C. and Heidl, Ralph A. and Wadhwa, Anu, Knowledge, Networks, and Knowledge Networks: A Review and Research Agenda (September 8, 2011). Journal of Management, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1924680

Corey C. Phelps (Contact Author)

McGill University ( email )

1001 Sherbrooke St. W
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G5
Canada

University of Oklahoma - Michael F. Price College of Business ( email )

307 West Brooks
Norman, OK 73019-4004
United States

Ralph A. Heidl

Michigan State University ( email )

Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1122
United States

Anu Wadhwa

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship Institute (MTEI) ( email )

Odyssea
Station 5
Lausanne, 1015
Switzerland

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