Talking About Organizations Podcast 24: Learning by Knowledge-Intensive Firms (Part 1)
Feb 7, 2017
In this enlightening discussion, William Starbuck, a visiting professor at the University of Oregon, shares insights from his groundbreaking work on knowledge-intensive firms. He highlights the challenges these organizations face in knowledge retention, especially in long-term projects like naval shipbuilding. Starbuck also critiques traditional quantitative research methods, emphasizes the importance of originality in academic work, and discusses how specialization and a long-term vision are key for success. Tune in for a rich exploration of knowledge management in business!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins of Knowledge-Intensive Firm Research
- William Starbuck's journey to studying knowledge-intensive firms began with a keynote invitation about a topic he knew little about.
- His subsequent research involved interviewing experts at various firms, including Arthur D. Little and Rand Corporation.
The Purpose of Research
- Academic research should focus on exploring the unknown, challenging existing assumptions.
- Starbuck emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives and global experiences in identifying emerging trends and problems.
Knowledge vs. Information
- Knowledge-intensive firms prioritize expertise and deep understanding, not just information processing.
- Starbuck distinguishes between knowledge, which has economic value and requires expertise, and everyday information.
