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G-SECI model-based knowledge creation for CoPS innovation: the role of grey knowledge

Min Li (School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China)
Huimin Liu (School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China)
Jing Zhou (School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China)

Journal of Knowledge Management

ISSN: 1367-3270

Article publication date: 15 February 2018

Issue publication date: 18 May 2018

1856

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new knowledge creation model called Grey SECI (G-SECI), study the knowledge creation mechanism and the relationship between knowledge creation models and innovation performance during complex product systems (CoPSs) development. Research and development of CoPSs relies heavily on knowledge creation. However, most scholars have studied CoPS innovation stages from the view of design process of system products, focussing on functional management and project management during the R&D process for CoPS. Attention is lacking with regards to the key and essence of creating a complex technology: the creation of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Modified from the classic SECI model’s spiral process of knowledge creation, a grey-SECI (G-SECI) knowledge creation model is here proposed vis-à-vis three knowledge categories: explicit knowledge, grey knowledge and tacit knowledge. Then, this paper further analyzes the effects of knowledge creation from the perspective of individual and the view of organization. Besides, an empirical study is conducted.

Findings

Statistical analysis indicates that there are three main paths of knowledge creation: individual experience knowledge acquisition, individual communication and reflection and organizational knowledge learning. Results further suggest that knowledge internalization by practice (KIP) is the key mode of knowledge creation, as well as the most important step for high-quality CoPS performance. Moreover, individual innovation performance is influenced by knowledge internalization by reflection and KIP; and organization innovation performance is influenced by knowledge combination and knowledge systematization.

Research limitations/implications

The coverage of geographical distribution is limited. Therefore, there are no data from foreign enterprises. The impact of different geographical cultures on CoPS knowledge creation model could be further investigated; in addition, the statistical analysis results of this study need to be further verified in other industries.

Practical implications

This paper provides a series of insights for CoPS project leaders. The results may also provide practical guidance for the related management personnel in the fields of human resource training, project planning, project quality and technology R&D in CoPS R&D management.

Originality/value

The paper’s main contribution is to modify classic SECI knowledge conversion model by introducing grey knowledge and build a new G-SECI knowledge creation model. Besides, the paper adds empirical evidence on the knowledge creation paths in CoPS and reveals that internalization by practice is the key mode of knowledge creation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was part of the research funded under the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), grant number 71671088, 71201073, 71732003. The authors are grateful to all study participants.

Citation

Li, M., Liu, H. and Zhou, J. (2018), "G-SECI model-based knowledge creation for CoPS innovation: the role of grey knowledge", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 887-911. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2016-0458

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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