Title: Knowledge sharing barriers in networked growth in the software business

Authors: Marianne Kukko; Nina Helander

Addresses: Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland ' Department of Business Information Management and Logistics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 541, 33101 Tampere, Finland

Abstract: Business networks can offer ways for companies to leverage their resources to find new opportunities to generate growth. However, the management of networked growth is not an easy task. Rather often the challenges in networked growth surround knowledge management issues as previous research has identified problems occurring especially in knowledge sharing between the network partners. Hence, this paper aims to identify the common knowledge sharing barriers in networked growth, by a case study in the context of the software business. The findings of the study will help practitioners better prepare for the challenging task of networked growth. The paper contributes to the growth literature by touching the issue of management of networked growth from the perspective of knowledge management, especially knowledge sharing. In addition, the paper contributes to knowledge management literature by offering empirical evidence for the earlier theoretical studies about knowledge sharing challenges.

Keywords: company growth; networked growth; knowledge management; knowledge sharing barriers; KSBs; software industry; business networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCG.2013.056484

International Journal of Business Competition and Growth, 2013 Vol.3 No.2, pp.105 - 120

Received: 30 Oct 2012
Accepted: 10 Feb 2013
Published online: 12 Jul 2014 *

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