Browsing DRUID Working papers by Title
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Laursen, Keld (Frederiksberg, 2001)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Recent theoretical and empirical analysis in the field of economic organisation has focussed almost exclusively on identifying organisational practices and complementarities between such practices, invariant to the type of activity in question. However, this paper takes its point of departure in the observation from organisational theory that more knowledge-intensive production activities often involve higher degrees of strategic uncertainty for firms and performance ambiguity in relation to individual employees. Therefore, the “organic” or “clan” form of organisation — involving the application of “new” HRM practices — is expected to yield a higher outcome in terms of performance within knowledge-intensive sectors of the economy, as compared to other sectors. Moreover, knowledge-intensive activities are likely to require the utilisation of local knowledge to a higher degree than less knowledge-intensive activities. Given that the application of new HRM practices is one way of supporting such local knowledge, it should also for this reason be expected that the application of HRM practices are more effective for knowledge-intensive production activities. A sample of 726 Danish firms with more than 50 employees in manufacturing and private services is applied. The results show that HRM practices are more effective in influencing innovation performance when applied together, rather than when applied alone. In other words, organisational complementarities obtain. Moreover, it is shown that the application of (complementary) HRM practices is more effective in what is normally perceived to be more knowledge-intensive sectors as compared to less knowledge-intensive sectors. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7897 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_01_11.pdf (120.9Kb) -
Laursen, Keld; Meliciani, Valentina (Frederiksberg, 1999)[More information][Less information]
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Thoughts on a Micro-Foundations Project for Strategic Management and Organizational AnalysisFelin, Teppo; Foss, Nicolai J. (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Making links between micro and macro levels has been problematic in the social sciences, and the literature in strategic management and organization theory is no exception The purpose of this chapter is to raise theoretical issues in developing micro-foundations for strategic management and organizational analysis We discuss more general problems with collectivism in the social sciences by focusing on specific problems in extant organizational analysis We introduce microfoundations to the literature by explicating the underlying theoretical foundations of the origins of individual action and interaction We highlight opportunities for future research, specifically emphasizing the need for a rational choice program in management research. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7470 Files in this item: 1
cbs forskningsindberetning smg 39.pdf (4.296Mb) -
Lessons from Co-operation and Higher-order Capabilities Amongst geographically proximate firmsLorenzen, Mark (Frederiksberg, 1998)[More information][Less information]
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Brian Loasby and The Theory of The FirmFoss, Nicolai J. (Frederiksberg, 1997)[More information][Less information]
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Sornn-Friese, Henrik; Jensen, Søren Henning (Frederiksberg, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper questions the overall role of interfirm linkages in industrial dynamics. Studying Danish trucking and congress tourism, the paper addresses a number of particular questions concerning how industry responds to changing conditions. In trucking, the important interfirm linkages are pecuniary and entails nontrivial exchange among multiple dispersed agents, while in congress tourism Inter-organizational linkages are more strategic, with the activities of multiple agents forming together into products, without direct exchange. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7874 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_06_33.pdf (188.8Kb) -
What Can Organizational Economics Contribute?Foss, Nicolai J.; Mahnke, Volker (Frederiksberg, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Knowledge management has emerged as a very successful organization practice and has been extensively treated in a large body of academic work. Surprisingly, however, organizational economics (i.e., transaction cost economics, agency theory, team theory and property rights theory) has played no role in the development of knowledge management. We argue that organizational economics insights can further the theory and practice of knowledge management in several ways. Specifically, we apply notions of contracting, team production, complementaries, hold-up, etc. to knowledge management issues (i.e., creating and integration knowledge, rewarding knowledge workers, etc.) , and derive refutable implications that are novel to the knowledge management field from our discussion. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7892 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_03_02.pdf (480.3Kb) -
what can organizational economics contribute?Foss, Nicolai J.; Mahnke, Volker (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Knowledge management has emerged as a very successful organization practice and has been extensively treated in a large body of academic work. Surprisingly, however, organizational economics (i.e., transaction cost economics, agency theory, team theory and property rights theory) has played no role in the development of knowledge management. We argue that organizational economics insights can further the theory and practice of knowledge management in several ways. Specifically, we apply notions of contracting, team production, complementaries, hold-up, etc. to knowledge management issues (i.e., creating and integration knowledge, rewarding knowledge workers, etc.) , and derive refutable implications that are novel to the knowledge management field from our discussion. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6863 Files in this item: 1
03-02.pdf (480.3Kb) -
Jeppesen, Lars Bo; Laursen, Keld (Frederiksberg, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper introduces a model of knowledge sharing of lead users located in a public and unrestricted community of users. While existing literature on knowledge sharing focuses on allocation and collaboration processes inside or among companies we extend this to the community level. We then focus on how key agents — lead users — facilitate knowledge sharing in this setting and the features that moderate such sharing. Our results show that lead users are central to search and integration of knowledge from different external sources of relevance to their communities. Inside the community lead users are active in both “giving and taking” knowledge. Further, as users build up experience they tend to give more knowledge, thus suggesting a dynamic pattern of knowledge sharing in which increases in experience make way for important knowledge diffusion processes in the community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7870 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_07_24.pdf (311.8Kb) -
The Role of Institutions and Policy in Sustaining CompetitivenessMaskell, Peter (Frederiksberg, 1996)[More information][Less information]
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From Cost Reduction to Knowledge SeekingMaskell, Peter; Pedersen, Torben; Petersen, Bent; Dick-Nielsen, Jens (Frederiksberg, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: A corporation’s offshore outsourcing may be seen as the result of a discrete, strategic decision taken in response to an increasing pressure from worldwide competition. However, empirical evidence of a representative cross-sector sample of international Danish firms indicates that offshore sourcing in low-cost countries is best described as a learning-by-doing process in which the offshore outsourcing of a corporation goes through a sequence of stages towards sourcing for innovation. Initially, a corporation’s outsourcing is driven by a desire for cost minimization. Over a period of time the outsourcing experience lessens the cognitive limitations of decision-makers as to the advantages that can be achieved through outsourcing in low-cost countries: the insourcer/vendor may not only offer cost advantages, but also quality improvement and innovation. The quality improvements that offshore outsourcing may bring about evoke a realization in the corporation that even innovative processes can be outsourced. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7885 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_05_17.pdf (115.1Kb) -
Davis, Lee (Frederiksberg, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper investigates in an exploratory manner the licensing strategies pursued by firms whose business model is based on developing and licensing out their intellectual property rights (IPRs). These are not traditional suppliers, since they do not engage in production or commercialization, but focus solely on invention. While considerable anecdotal evidence exists about these IP vendors, there has been no systematic investigation of how they use licensing to appropriate value from their investments in R&D. In this paper, we suggest that the licensing strategies they pursue can be differentiated along two main dimensions: whether the driving force behind the inventive process is “technology push” or “market pull”, and the degree to which the innovative activities carried out by the IP vendor are mutually dependent upon the innovative activities of the other relevant market players. On this basis, four main licensing strategies are identified. We investigate the relative benefits and costs of these four strategies, and the factors affecting licensing choices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7878 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_06_12.pdf (182.4Kb) -
Davis, Lee (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper investigates in an exploratory manner the licensing strategies pursued by firms whose business model is based on developing and licensing out their intellectual property rights (IPRs). These are not traditional suppliers, since they do not engage in production or commercialization, but focus solely on invention. While considerable anecdotal evidence exists about these IP vendors, there has been no systematic investigation of how they use licensing to appropriate value from their investments in R&D. In this paper, we suggest that the licensing strategies they pursue can be differentiated along two main dimensions: whether the driving force behind the inventive process is "technology push" or "market pull", and the degree to which the innovative activities carried out by the IP vendor are mutually dependent upon the innovative activities of the other relevant market players. On this basis, four main licensing strategies are identified. We investigate the relative benefits and costs of these four strategies, and the factors affecting licensing choices. Key words: Intellectual property, licensing, strategy JEL Codes: O31, O32, O34 URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7266 Files in this item: 1
wp06-12.pdf (182.4Kb) -
Maskell, Peter (Frederiksberg, 1996)[More information][Less information]
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Malmberg, Anders; Maskell, Peter (Frederiksberg, 2005)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The concept of localized learning outlines how local conditions and spatial proximity between actors enable the formation of distinctive cognitive repertoires and influence the generation and selection of skills, processes and products within a field of knowledge or activity. The localized learning argument consists of two distinct yet related elements. One has to do with localized capabilities that enhance learning while the other concerns the possible benefits that firms with similar or related activities may accrue by locating in spatial proximity of one another. In this essay, we disentangle these two inherent elements of the concept, review some of the critique that has been raised against it, and sort out some misunderstandings that we think are attached to its present use. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7884 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_05_19.pdf (110.2Kb) -
The Case of the Computer GamesJeppesen, Lars Bo (Frederiksberg, 2001)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: It has been demonstrated that users occasionally innovate. However, it can now be observed that even end-consumers act as a source novel product designs. A case study of a firm, and “its” consumers - from the computer games industry - illustrates how sourcing of consumer knowledge has enabled the firm to improve product design. Two conditions favor the results firms can obtain from consumer’s knowledge. First, is firm’s ability to exploit new opportunities of information and communication technology - on-line communities - to establish interfaces connecting them with consumers. Second, is firm’s ability to initiate a mode of organization by which the consumers are guided and motivated to reveal merely relevant knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7898 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_01_10.pdf (134.2Kb) -
Toward a Dynamic Property Rights PerspectiveFoss, Nicolai J.; Foss, Kirsten (Frederiksberg, 1998)[More information][Less information]
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Cross-national Transfer of Socially Responsible InvestmentBoxenbaum, Eva; Gond, Jean-Pascal (Frederiksberg, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper examines how individuals select and mobilize local institutions when they transfer business practices across societies that are construed as dissimilar to one another. We investigate empirically how the American business practice of socially responsible investment (SRI) was transferred to France and Quebec. Our analysis identifies five micro-strategies that were employed to contextualize SRI, namely filtering, rerouting, stowing, defusing, and coupling. This repertoire of micro-strategies extends previous research on contextualization, translation, and institutional transfers and links them to one another. They may also help explain why some transfers succeed while others fail. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7875 Files in this item: 1
DRUID_06_24.pdf (282.5Kb) -
The Roles of Knowledge Sources and Organizational Instruments in MNC Knowledge ManagementFoss, Nicolai J; Pedersen, Torben (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Recent research on the differentiated MNC has concerned knowledge flows between MNC units. While linking up with this literature, we extend in two directions. First, we argue that conceptualizing the MNC as a knowledge structure furthers the understanding of intra-MNC knowledge flows. Thus, we see MNC knowledge elements as being structured along such dimensions as their type and degree of complementarity to other knowledge elements, and their sources, for example, whether they are mainly developed from external or internal knowledge sources. These dimensions matter in terms of knowledge flows, because they influence the costs and benefits of knowledge transfer and, hence, the actual level of knowledge transferred. Second, based on this conceptualization, we argue that MNC management can influence the development, characteristics and transfer of knowledge through choices regarding organizational instruments (control, motivation and context). We test six hypotheses derived from these arguments against a unique dataset on subsidiary knowledge development. The dataset includes information on organizational instruments, sources of subsidiary knowledge, and the extent of knowledge transfer to other MNC units. It covers more than 2,000 subsidiaries located in seven different European countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7317 Files in this item: 1
03-09.pdf (594.9Kb) -
The Roles of Knowledge Sources and Organizational Instruments in MNC Knowledge ManagementFoss, Nicolai J; Pedersen, Torben (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Recent research on the differentiated MNC has concerned knowledge flows between MNC units. While linking up with this literature, we extend in two directions. First, we argue that conceptualizing the MNC as a knowledge structure furthers the understanding of intra-MNC knowledge flows. Thus, we see MNC knowledge elements as being structured along such dimensions as their type and degree of complementarity to other knowledge elements, and their sources, for example, whether they are mainly developed from external or internal knowledge sources. These dimensions matter in terms of knowledge flows, because they influence the costs and benefits of knowledge transfer and, hence, the actual level of knowledge transferred. Second, based on this conceptualization, we argue that MNC management can influence the development, characteristics and transfer of knowledge through choices regarding organizational instruments (control, motivation and context). We test six hypotheses derived from these arguments against a unique dataset on subsidiary knowledge development. The dataset includes information on organizational instruments, sources of subsidiary knowledge, and the extent of knowledge transfer to other MNC units. It covers more than 2,000 subsidiaries located in seven different European countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7317 Files in this item: 1
03-09.pdf (594.9Kb)