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Why do firms seek to share human resource management knowledge? The importance of inter-firm networks

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  • Martin-Rios, Carlos

Abstract

This study untangles the social processes and inter-firm mechanisms underlying human resource management (HRM) knowledge networks. The research questions serve to advance understanding of why HRM knowledge flows between firms under contractual relationships and in the absence of formal relationships. The study analyzes data from a complete network of 51 high-technology firms located in a science and technology park to report the structural properties and relational dimensions of inter-firm flow of HRM knowledge. The results from this social network analysis show that the firms in the study actively engage in the sharing of HRM knowledge. Specifically, the results not only indicate the preeminence of formal ties but also of relational factors relating to firm legitimacy, prestige, and collaborative interaction. Participation in inter-firm knowledge networks appears to be an effective tool for obtaining HRM knowledge as well as for enhancing legitimacy and prestige between firms and developing trust and reciprocity within collaborative relationships.

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  • Martin-Rios, Carlos, 2014. "Why do firms seek to share human resource management knowledge? The importance of inter-firm networks," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(2), pages 190-199.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:67:y:2014:i:2:p:190-199
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2012.10.004
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    1. Martin-Rios, Carlos & Parga-Dans, Eva, 2016. "Service response to economic decline: Innovation actions for achieving strategic renewal," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(8), pages 2890-2900.
    2. Carlos Martin-Rios, 2016. "Innovative management control systems in knowledge work: a middle manager perspective," Journal of Management Control: Zeitschrift für Planung und Unternehmenssteuerung, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 181-204, May.
    3. Hans Löfsten & Magnus Klofsten, 2024. "Exploring dyadic relationships between Science Parks and universities: bridging theory and practice," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 49(5), pages 1914-1934, October.
    4. Niclas Erhardt & Carlos Martin-Rios, 2016. "Knowledge Management Systems in Sports: The Role of Organisational Structure, Tacit and Explicit Knowledge," Journal of Information & Knowledge Management (JIKM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 15(02), pages 1-21, June.
    5. Martin-Rios, Carlos & Erhardt, Niclas L. & Manev, Ivan M., 2022. "Interfirm collaboration for knowledge resources interaction among small innovative firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 206-215.
    6. Srivastava, Mohit & Moser, Roger & Hartmann, Evi, 2018. "The networking behavior of Indian executives under environmental uncertainty abroad: An exploratory analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 230-245.
    7. Carlos Martin-Rios & Eva Parga-Dans & Susana Pasamar, 2019. "Innovation strategies and complementarity between innovation activities: the case of commercial archaeological firms," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 13(4), pages 695-713, December.
    8. To, Chester K.M., 2016. "Collaboration modes, preconditions, and contingencies in organizational alliance: A comparative assessment," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(11), pages 4737-4743.
    9. Mohammed BELAL UDDIN, 2017. "Evaluation Of Theoretical Paradigms Of Interfirm Relationship Formation," Management and Marketing Journal, University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 0(1), pages 106-114, May.
    10. Adam Jabłoński, 2016. "Scalability of Sustainable Business Models in Hybrid Organizations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-36, February.
    11. Rubinstein, Saul & Martin-Rios, Carlos & Erhardt, Niclas & Hoffer Gittell, Jody & George, Varghese P., 2016. "Organizational responses to uncertainty in the airline industry: Changes in patterns of communication networks," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 217-227.
    12. Isabel Diez-Vial & Angeles Montoro-Sanchez, 2017. "Research evolution in science parks and incubators: foundations and new trends," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 110(3), pages 1243-1272, March.
    13. Harald Conrad & Hendrik Meyer-Ohle, 2024. "How HR managers develop ideas about HR reform: the role of inter-corporate knowledge exchange in Japan," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 23(3), pages 426-446, July.

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