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Distribution of Knowledge, Group Network Structure, and Group Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Diane L. Rulke

    (School of Management, Royal Holloway, University of London, Surrey TW20 OEX, United Kingdom)

  • Joseph Galaskiewicz

    (Department of Sociology and Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455)

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of knowledge distribution and group structure on performance in MBA game teams. We found that group performance was contingent on the distribution of knowledge within the group and networks of social relationships among group members. Studying 39 teams of MBA students in two management simulation games, we found that, in general, groups that had broadly distributed knowledge, i.e., groups made up of members who had general knowledge, outperformed groups that had knowledge concentrated in different members, i.e., groups made up of members who had specialized or both specialized and general knowledge. However, the advantage that the former enjoyed over the latter disappeared when groups of specialists or mixed groups had decentralized network structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Diane L. Rulke & Joseph Galaskiewicz, 2000. "Distribution of Knowledge, Group Network Structure, and Group Performance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 46(5), pages 612-625, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:46:y:2000:i:5:p:612-625
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.46.5.612.12052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Argote, Linda & Turner, Marlene E. & Fichman, Mark, 1989. "To centralize or not to centralize: The effects of uncertainty and threat on group structure and performance," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 43(1), pages 58-74, February.
    2. Gruenfeld, Deborah H & Mannix, Elizabeth A. & Williams, Katherine Y. & Neale, Margaret A., 1996. "Group Composition and Decision Making: How Member Familiarity and Information Distribution Affect Process and Performance," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 67(1), pages 1-15, July.
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