The Role of Non‐structural and Informal Mechanisms of Integration and Coordination as Forces in Knowledge Creation

Abstract

This study focuses on the analysis of the influence of organizational design variables on the creation of knowledge within the firm. The impact that enablers have on knowledge creation has been widely demonstrated and established by the relevant literature. Using this assumption as a starting point, this study will consider and explore the role that mechanisms of integration and coordination play in the creation of knowledge, considering enablers as intermediate variables. In this way, we can create a model of the relationships between these variables and contrast them with an empirical investigation of a quantitative nature, using a sample of 167 large Spanish firms. Despite the fact that the theoretical framework in question is characterized by a direct and positive connection between the standardization of work processes and knowledge creation, the results suggest that the relation is not significant. All the other coordination mechanisms, however, do have a significant influence on the creation of knowledge: standardization of skills through the autonomy enabler; standardization of outputs through intention; interventions for socialization through intention and trust and commitment; and, lastly, mutual adjustment whose influence is found in redundancy and variety.

Characteristics of organizational structure relating to hybrid competitive strategy: Implications for performance

“…The relevant literature traditionally associates formalization with inertia, stability, and efficiency (Mintzberg, 1979;Moreno-Luzón and Lloria, 2008). High degree of formalization likely associates with low-cost strategies, whereas low degree of formalization likely associates with differentiation strategies (Miller, 1988).…”

Does the use of knowledge integration mechanisms enhance product innovativeness?

“…Another consideration behind our focus is that ideas from knowledge sharing in informal ways are usually further analyzed and discussed in formal meetings while implementing new product initiatives (Enberg, Lindkvist, & Tell, 2006). Moreover, previous literature suggests that informal mechanisms of knowledge integration do not directly affect knowledge creation (Moreno-Luzón & Lloria, 2008).…”

Los Equipos Docentes en la Universidad. Construcción y validación de un Instrumento.

“…Se trata de una teoría con bastantes detractores por considerarla demasiado fenomenológica y poco verificable (Gourlay y Hill, 2006;McLean, 2004;Moreno-Luzón y Lloria, 2008).…”