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The B2b Knowledge Environment In China: Shifting From Tacit Understanding To Explicit Representation

In: Knowledge Management Innovation, Technology and Cultures

Author

Listed:
  • ROBERT M. DAVISON

    (Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, PRC)

  • CAROL XIAOJUAN OU

    (Department of Information Systems, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong, PRC)

Abstract

In China, business transactions have traditionally involved substantial amounts of tacit understanding between buyers and sellers, generally as part of a social network arrangement known as guanxi. This situation appears to be changing, with online intermediaries enabling this tacit knowledge to be communicated explicitly. In this paper, we investigate the shift from tacit understanding to explicit representation of knowledge, focusing on the B2B practices enabled by Alibaba, China's largest online business intermediary. Our findings suggest that online intermediaries are substituting the offline social networks, providing explicit knowledge and communication channels in business relationships. We discuss the implications of this modification of business practices - in the Chinese context, as well as internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert M. Davison & Carol Xiaojuan Ou, 2007. "The B2b Knowledge Environment In China: Shifting From Tacit Understanding To Explicit Representation," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Christian Stary & Franz Barachini & Suliman Hawamdeh (ed.), Knowledge Management Innovation, Technology and Cultures, chapter 17, pages 189-199, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:wschap:9789812770592_0017
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