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The emergent prerequisites of managerial learning in small firm networks

Henrik Florén (School of Business and Engineering, Halmstad University College, Halmstad, Sweden, Department for Project Management, and FENIX Research Program, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden and Stockholm School of Economics, Stockholm, Sweden)
Joakim Tell (School of Business and Engineering, Halmstad University College, Halmstad, Sweden)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 1 April 2004

942

Abstract

Descriptive studies have shown that co‐operation in networks produces better possibilities for higher‐level learning than small firms can organise on their own. Previous studies of learning in networks, however, have not considered how the prerequisites for higher‐level learning develop over time in networks. This paper reports on a seven‐year participant observational study of two different network constellations. A conclusion from the study is that the learning in networks of small‐firm owner/managers is based on trust and has emergent prerequisites. These prerequisites are reciprocity between learning actors, the learning actors’ receptive and confronting capacity, and the transparency of the dialogue in the networks. Over time these prerequisites develop and create better opportunities for higher‐level learning.

Keywords

Citation

Florén, H. and Tell, J. (2004), "The emergent prerequisites of managerial learning in small firm networks", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 292-307. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730410531083

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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