Organisational ecology and knowledge networks

Citation

Becker, F. (2007), "Organisational ecology and knowledge networks", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 21 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/dlo.2007.08121ead.010

Organisational ecology and knowledge networks

Organisational ecology and knowledge networks

Becker F. California Management Review, Winter 2007, Vol. 49 No. 2, Start page: 42, No. of pages: 20

Purpose – to examine the relationship between organizational ecology and knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach – states that all organizations are it is essentially complex ecological systems characterized by the interdependence of social and physical systems. Explains that organizational ecology conceptualizes the workplace as “a system in which physical design factors both shape and are shaped by work processes, the organization’s culture, workforce demographics and information technologies”. Points out that the communities of practice framework emphasizes that informal learning and knowledge sharing depend on and exploit networks of connections among people who share a common interest or task. Adds that effective communication, including informal learning and the interaction among people from different disciplines that is characteristic of innovative problem solving, is critical to the development of high-performance teams. Argues that organizations that gain competitive advantage over time have an ecological system working in dynamic harmony. Notes that dynamic constraints occurs whenever one facet of the organization’s ecological system is in conflict with another facet. Asks how and where it is best to intervene in the organizational ecosystem to exert a positive influence. Presents five organizational ecology propositions suggesting ways in which the physical design of the workplace can increase informal communication, interaction and learning. Lists these as eco-diversity, spatial transparency, unassigned workspace, human scale and neutral zones. Originality/value – reflects on the way workspace is designed, used and managed in dynamic organizations where the rate of change and uncertainty is high.ISSN: 0008-1256Reference: 36AH134

Keywords: Communication processes, Knowledge management, Learning, Organizational behaviour, Work organization