WHEN DO BOUNDARY SPANNERS TRANSFER AND CREATE KNOWLEDGE?: THE ROLE OF NETWORK CENTRALITY

Abstract

Innovation requires not only the exploitation of existing knowledge but also the exploration of new knowledge across organisational boundaries. However, when firms differentiate their research and development (R&D) organisations and different norms are consequently formed, inventors may face difficulties in effectively acquiring knowledge from other units. Boundary spanners (BSs) have attracted attention as a means of addressing the difficulty of knowledge transfer between units. Recent studies suggest that individual performance depends on the core–periphery network positions. BSs’ performance may also depend on their position within intra-unit networks. However, it remains unclear whether BSs function effectively when positioned at the core or periphery of the unit. Using patent data on inventors, this study examines how the interaction between inventors’ boundary spanning and their intra-unit centrality affects knowledge transfer and creation. This study highlights three roles of BSs — knowledge acquirers, providers, and creators — and managers must first pay attention to whether they are fulfilling their role as knowledge acquirers.