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Knowledge Management in Knowledge Intensive Service Networks: A Strategic Management Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Günther Blaich

    (University of Münster)

  • Heiner Evanschitzky

    (University of Münster)

  • Peter Kenning

    (University of Münster)

  • Dieter Ahlert

    (University of Münster)

Abstract

Knowledge is the key to gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Driven by a change in consumer needs towards “comprehensive service solutions”, more and more services are offered through networks. By so doing, individual firms can concentrate on their distinctive competencies and by combining these with those of partner firms such a network is able to offer complex, knowledge-intensive services at high quality and at reasonable prices. It is clear that the success of such knowledge intensive service networks depends strongly on the effective and efficient combination and use of the distinctive competencies of the network partners. That ability to combine and use distinctive competencies represents the core competency of the network as a whole. Understanding knowledge as a key resource for those distinctive competencies the combination problem can be seen as a knowledge management problem. The main contribution of this paper is to analyze knowledge management in service networks. We use a strategic management approach instead of a more technology-oriented approach since we believe that managerial problems still remain after technological problems have been solved. Therefore the question arises how to guarantee an effective and efficient combination and utilization of the distributed knowledge in knowledge-intensive service networks. The objective of this paper is to analyze the problems concerning the management of knowledge in service networks. It outlines possible solutions for these knowledge management problems in order to provide sustaining competitive advantage for the network as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Günther Blaich & Heiner Evanschitzky & Peter Kenning & Dieter Ahlert, 2004. "Knowledge Management in Knowledge Intensive Service Networks: A Strategic Management Perspective," General Economics and Teaching 0412036, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpgt:0412036
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Aurora I. Maynez Guaderrama & Judith Cavazos Arroyo & Santiago Ibarreche Suarez & Jose Pablo Nuno de la Parra, 2012. "Trust, Commitment And Intention To Share: Influencing Variables To Transfer Knowledge Within Organizations?, Confianza, Compromiso E Intencion Para Compartir: ¿Variables Influyentes Para Transferir C," Revista Internacional Administracion & Finanzas, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 5(5), pages 21-40.
    2. Chee‐Yang Fong & Keng‐Boon Ooi & Boon‐In Tan & Voon‐Hsien Lee & Alain Yee‐Loong Chong, 2011. "HRM practices and knowledge sharing: an empirical study," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 32(5/6), pages 704-723, August.
    3. Aurora I. Maynez Guaderrama & Judith Cavazos Arroyo & Santiago Ibarreche Suarez & Jose Pablo Nuno de la Parra, 2012. "Identification Of Common Factors In Tacit Knowledge Transference Within Organizations, Identificacion De Factores Comunes Estudiados, Relacionados Con La Transferencia De Conocimiento Tacito Dentro De," Revista Internacional Administracion & Finanzas, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 5(1), pages 103-117.
    4. Stacey Peterson & Lisa Steelman, 2015. "Repatriate Knowledge Sharing Environment: Scale Development and Validation," Journal of Information & Knowledge Management (JIKM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(04), pages 1-18, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    knowledge management; networks; knowledge-intensive services;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A - General Economics and Teaching

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