Schème cognitif et situation de gestion : contribution à l'analyse de la dispersion des unités de R&D au sein des réseaux des FMN

This paper aims to present an analysis of knowledge sharing within multinational firms. Our analysis does not take the barrier to diffusion approach into account. Rather than be interested in the circulation of the knowledge, we suggest focusing on interactions between organization devices and the behavior of members. We are interested in complex organizations as R&D activities of multinationals and handle the question of the dispersion of R&D activity off-shoring. We develop a conceptual framework for analyzing the nature and the role of the situations of knowledge management. These situations are socially embedded in individual and collective schemas. Situations are in charge of coordination between dispersed units. Each unit owns its legitimacy but meets problems of regulation each other. The lack of regulation put the R&D network in failure. From an abstract point of view, we emphasize the wealth of an analysis associating situated cognition and the concept of management situation established by Jacques Girin. We so intend to participate in the elaboration of the micro-psychological foundations of sharing knowledge between dispersed units. From a practical point of view, in order to reduce risks of dispersal within R&D networks, our approach proposes a renewal of the understanding of individual and collective modes of cognitive activity.