VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Perspectives on Organizational Knowledge
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:49:09
Abstract
This module aims to introduce major theoretical perspectives on organizational knowledge and to improve the competence of doctoral students to publish in relevant research areas. How knowledge is conceptualized and what aspects of knowledge are being studied depends on the epistemological and ontological assumptions accepted by researchers.
Objective
This module aims: · to provide a basic understanding of key theoretical perspectives on organizational knowledge. · to provide insights on the research questions, methods, findings and implications of the selected papers. · to build skills in critically analyzing the literature. · to identify future directions in the area.
Content
Given its prominence in the history of organization science, an impressive variety of theories have evolved that deals with organizational epistemology, the way of knowing in the organization (e.g., Brown & Duguid, 1991; Grant, 1996; Kogut & Zander, 1992; Lave & Wenger, 1991; Nonaka, 1994; Spender, 1996; Tsoukas, 1996; von Krogh et al., 1994). In this module, students will learn about various seminal contributions in the area of organizational knowledge and make connections between theory and empirical research, and identify the ongoing trends and future research directions. Session 1: Knowledge based view of the firm. Session 2: Knowledge sharing and transfer Session 3: Social practice view on knowledge and knowing
Resources
Literature
Remark: The list might change. Students will be informed about the changes before the first session. - von Krogh G, Roos J, Slocum K. 1994. An essay on corporate epistemology. Strategic Management Journal, Summer Special Issue 15: 53-71. - Nonaka, I., 1994. A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation. Organization Science 5: 14-37. - Kogut, B., Zander, U., 1992. Knowledge of the firm, combinative capacities and the replication of technology. Organization Science 3: 383-397. - Grant, R. M. 1996. Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17: 109-122. - Spender, J.-C. 1996. Making knowledge the basis of a dynamic theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17: 45-62. - Szulanski, G. 1996. Exploring internal stickiness: Impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17: 27-43. - Osterloh, M. and B. Frey, 2000. Motivation, Knowledge Transfer and Organizational Forms, Organization Science, 11: 538-550. - Carlile, Paul Reuben. 2002. A pragmatic view of knowledge and boundaries: Boundary objects in new product development. Organization Science 13 442-455. - Hansen, M. T. 1999. The search-transfer problem: The role of weak ties in sharing knowledge across organization subunits. Admin. Sci. Quart. 44 82-111. - DeCarolis, D.M., D.L. Deeds. 1999. The impact of stocks and flows of organizational knowledge on firm performance: An empirical investigation of the biotechnology industry. Strategic Management Journal. 20(10) 953-968. - Brown JS, Duguid P. 2001. Knowledge and organization: a social practice perspective. Organization Science. 12: 198-213. - Cook SDN, Brown JS. 1999. Bridging epistemologies: the generative dance between organizational knowledge and organizational knowing. Organization Science. 10(4): 381-400. - Orlikowski, W. J. 2002. Knowing in practice: Enacting a collective capability in distributed organizing. Organization Science, 10: 249-273. - Nicolini, D. 2011. Practice As The Site Of Knowing: Insights From The Field Of Telemedicine. Organization Science. 22 (3): 602-620. - Ewenstein, B. & Whyte, J. 2009. Knowledge practices in design: The role of visual representations as 'epistemic objects'. Organization Studies, 30, 7-30.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Additional links
- TIM Group - PhD Seminar - Organizational Learning
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Perspectives on Organizational Knowledge
Block course
|
|
9 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
Doctoral Department of Management, Technology, and Economics (More Information at: )