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Social capital and knowledge sharing performance of learning networks

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  • Lefebvre, Virginie Marie
  • Sorenson, Douglas
  • Henchion, Maeve
  • Gellynck, Xavier

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the relationship between the social capital accumulated among network members and the performance of learning networks in terms of their ability to enhance knowledge sharing among network members. A network level perspective guided the sampling strategy adopted for this survey involving 150 members of 16 European learning networks. Hierarchical multiple regression and structural equation modelling were employed to investigate the inter-relationships between dimensions of social capital and knowledge sharing in learning networks. The results reveal that social interaction and cognitive social capital are positively and significantly related to knowledge sharing in learning networks. Social interaction is also shown to play an important role in the development of shared vision and shared language (i.e. cognitive social capital) in learning networks. This paper sheds further light on the inter-relationships between different dimensions of social capital from a network (rather than firm) level perspective, and contributes to emerging theory on the antecedents to, and assessment of, performance in learning network entities.

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  • Lefebvre, Virginie Marie & Sorenson, Douglas & Henchion, Maeve & Gellynck, Xavier, 2016. "Social capital and knowledge sharing performance of learning networks," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 570-579.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ininma:v:36:y:2016:i:4:p:570-579
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2015.11.008
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    3. Marco-Lajara, Bartolomé & Úbeda-García, Mercedes & Zaragoza-Sáez, Patrocinio del Carmen & García-Lillo, Francisco, 2022. "Agglomeration, social capital and interorganizational ambidexterity in tourist districts," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 126-136.
    4. Cao, Xiongfei & Ali, Ahsan, 2018. "Enhancing team creative performance through social media and transactive memory system," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 69-79.
    5. Azaizah, Nadeem & Reychav, Iris & Raban, Daphne R. & Simon, Tomer & McHaney, Roger, 2018. "Impact of ESN implementation on communication and knowledge-sharing in a multi-national organization," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 284-294.
    6. Najam ul zia & Ladislav Burita & Yumei Yang, 2023. "Inter-organizational social capital of firms in developing economies and industry 4.0 readiness: the role of innovative capability and absorptive capacity," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 661-682, February.
    7. le Duc, Niels & Gammeltoft, Peter, 2023. "The role of R&D resource commitment in accessing co-location advantages," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(2).
    8. Hindah Mustika & Anis Eliyana & Tri Siwi Agustina & Aisha Anwar, 2022. "Testing the Determining Factors of Knowledge Sharing Behavior," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, February.

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