Modelling distributed knowledge processes in next generation multidisciplinary alliances

Kanfer, Alaina; Bruce, Bertram C.; Haythornthwaite, Caroline A.; Burbules, Nicholas C.; Wade, James B.; Bowker, Geoffrey C.; Porac, Joseph F.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/15457 Copy

Description

Title

Modelling distributed knowledge processes in next generation multidisciplinary alliances

Author(s)

• Kanfer, Alaina
• Bruce, Bertram C.
• Haythornthwaite, Caroline A.
• Burbules, Nicholas C.
• Wade, James B.
• Bowker, Geoffrey C.
• Porac, Joseph F.

Issue Date

2000

Keyword(s)

• Computer-mediated communication
• Knowledge management
• Multidisciplinary science
• Social networks
• Distributed knowledge processes
• DKRC

Abstract

Current research on distributed knowledge processes suggests a critical conflict between knowledge processes in groups and the technologies built to support them. The conflict centers on observations that authentic and efficient knowledge creation and sharing is deeply embedded in an interpersonal face-to-face context, but that technologies to support distributed knowledge processes rely on the assumption that knowledge can be made mobile outside these specific contexts. In this paper we describe our multi-method approach for studying the tension between embedded and mobile knowledge in a project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation's program on Knowledge & Distributed Intelligence. This project examines knowledge processes and technology in distributed, multidisciplinary scientific teams in the National Computational Science Alliance (Alliance), a prototypical next generation enterprise. First we review evidence for the tension between embedded and mobile knowledge in several research literatures. Then we present our three-factor conceptualization that considers how the interrelationships among characteristics of the knowledge shared, group context, and communications technology contribute to the tension between embedded and mobile knowledge. Based on this conceptualization we suggest that this dichotomy does not fully explain distributed multidisciplinary knowledge processes. Therefore we propose some alternate models of how knowledge is shared.

Publisher

Springer

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/15457

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

U.S. National Science Foundation, Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence program

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