Forming mechanisms and structures of a knowledge transfer network: theoretical and simulation research

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the exchange and reciprocal mechanism behind individual knowledge transfer activities as well as their impact on the individual knowledge transfer networks.Design/methodology/approachThe author conducted theoretical and simulation research. Agent‐based technology is employed to construct an agent dynamics agent‐based model that simulates and explains how an individual initiates the evolution of a knowledge network through knowledge transfer activities.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the two mechanisms can improve the knowledge levels of the network members; the exchange mechanism is more efficient as it can improve the values of both sides. Individual knowledge transfer networks evolve from random networks to small‐world networks.Research limitations/implicationsThe research model must include more variables. Computer simulation research will be cross‐confirmed by other research methods in future studies.Practical implicationsIndividual knowledge transfer networks form and subsequently evolve as a result of social interaction. The research findings will contribute to the policy making for knowledge management in organizations.Originality/valueLittle has been published about the dynamics of individual knowledge transfer networks. The author believes that the paper is the first to analyze the internal mechanisms behind individual knowledge transfer activities and test them with agent‐based technologies.

Dynamic Evolution of Knowledge Sharing Behavior among Enterprises in the Cluster Innovation Network Based on Evolutionary Game Theory

“…Compared with the classical game theory, the simulation method pays more attention to the dynamic process of knowledge sharing. For example, Wang [42] constructs an agent dynamics agent-based model to analyze the exchange and reciprocal mechanism behind individual knowledge transfer activities as well as their impact on the individual knowledge transfer networks. The results demonstrate that the exchange mechanism can improve the knowledge levels of the network members.…”

Technology transfer motive of managers in Eastern Asia: empirical results from manufacture industry in Banten province, Indonesia

“…Hocking et al (2007) investigated how expatriate contributes in transnational strategy company reach the purpose of global efficiency, learning process, and national and local reponse. Interesting results by Wang (2013) showed that both mechanisms will be able to improve the knowledge rate of network members. Changeable mechanism will be much more efficient, since it can improve both sides' value.…”

“…Changeable mechanism will be much more efficient, since it can improve both sides' value. According to information speed based on economy development, knowledge has become strategic asset in an organization (Bollinger and Smith in Wang, 2013). The study on knowledge transfer comes from the discussion on technology transfer.…”

What Leads to Knowledge Donation in Free Software Communities?

“…Social exchanges are long-term relationships involving trust, loyalty and mutual commitments that evolve over time (Cropanzano & Mitchell, 2005), i.e., they evolve in a way that generates obligations on both parts (Emerson, 1976). Exchange efficiency can be achieved through knowledge sharing (Wang, 2013), which is a kind of exchange behaviour (Cyr & Choo, 2010;Huang, Davison, & Gu, 2008;Lin, 2014).…”