The transfer of experience in groups of organizations: Implications for performance and competition

• 成果类型: Article; Proceedings Paper
• 署名作者: Ingram, P; Simons, T
• 署名单位: Columbia University; Carnegie Mellon University
• 刊物名称: MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0025-1909
• DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.48.12.1517.437
• 发表日期: 2002
• 页码: 1517-1533
• 关键词: learning curve; knowledge sharing; profitability; agriculture; kibbutz; groups

摘要

Groups of organizations are pervasive, although there is little systematic knowledge about how they affect their members. We examine one dimension of the operation of organization groups, the transfer of experience. Our Fore,argument is that organization groups may create benefits for their members, but problems-for those outside the group. Within the group they can facilitate the transfer of experience among their members by creating mechanisms for communication, incentives for helping, and by promoting, understanding. The predicted pattern of experience transfer should improve performance of those within the group, but also has implications for those outside it. Experience accumulated, in one organization group strengthens the competitiveness of its organizations, and thereby harms competitors outside the group. Thus, organization groups are fundamental both for the functioning of their members and the competitive dynamics of their industries. Our longitudinal analysis of the profitability of kibbutz agriculture supports both these claims. Between 1954 and 1965 (the years of this study), almost all kibbutzim were part of organization groups. Kibbutzim became more profitable as a function of the experience of others in their group was reduced, however, as a function of experience of others outside. their Their profitability group.