Patterns and Structures of Intra-organizational Learning Networks within a Knowledge-Intensive Organization

Authors

Miha Škerlavaj, Department for Management and Organization, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SloveniaFollow
Vlado Dimovski, Department for Management and Organization, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Kevin C Desouza, The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This paper employs the network perspective to study patterns and structures of intra- organizational learning networks. The theoretical background draws from cognitive theories, theories of homophily and proximity, theories of social exchange, the theory of generalized exchange, small-worlds theory, and social process theory. The levels of analysis applied are actor, dyadic, triadic, and global. Confirmatory social network analysis (exponential random graph modeling) was employed for data analysis. Findings suggest: (1) central actors in the learning network are experienced and hold senior positions in the organizational hierarchy; (2) evidence of homophlly (In terms of gender, tenure, and hierarchical level relations) and proximity (In terms of geographical and departmental distances) in learning relationships; (3) learning relationships are non-reciprocal; and (4) transitivity and high local clustering with sparse inter-cluster ties are significant for intra-organizational learning networks.

DOI

10.1057/jit.2010.3

Recommended Citation

Škerlavaj, Miha; Dimovski, Vlado; and Desouza, Kevin C (2010) "Patterns and Structures of Intra-organizational Learning Networks within a Knowledge-Intensive Organization," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 25: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: 10.1057/jit.2010.3
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol25/iss2/8