A influência de propriedades estruturais e relacionais da rede social e de características cognitivas na transferência de conhecimentos : estudo em uma rede de cooperação

Abstract

Small-firm networks are characterized as organizational arrangements designed to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of small and medium-sized independent companies that are interdependente. The benefits of participating in these networks include the transfer of knowledge, understood as a process through which certain units (an individual, team or organization) transmit, exchange and receive knowledge. In small-firm networks, the existence of formal spaces, such as teams and assemblies, promotes interaction between individuals and the possibility to form social networks. Thus, the participation of the player in a social network can influence, for example, exchange, acquisition or transmission of knowledge. One part of the purpose of this study is to understand how relations and structural properties of a social network are related to the transfer of knowledge. Moreover, cognitive characteristics may relate to the process. Therefore, understanding how these characteristics relate to the transfer is the other part of the goal. This study aims to contribute to issues concerning Small-Firm Networks, Knowledge Transfer and Social Networks. To do so, a model based on the literature review is presented for the study of properties of social network and cognitive characteristics and their relation to transfer of knowledge. In addition, study proposals have been described. The research is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, using quantitative and qualitative methods. To study social networks, Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Statistics measurements were used. In turn, for the analysis of cognitive characteristics and propositions, SNA metrics were applied, besides descriptive statistics measurements and non-parametric statistical techniques. In addition, there were observations and interviews. The study was conducted in a small-firm network in the furniture retail business, located in Rio Grande do Sul. This network has been operating since 2005 and was created based on the Small-Firm Network Program. Regarding academic purposes, the thesis helped to advance the understanding of the influence of social network properties and cognitive characteristics on the knowledge transfer. In specific, Position, Social Cohesion, Size of Social Network, Educational Level and Experience Time have been influenced on Knowledge Acquisition. Furthermore, this study took into consideration both inter and intra-organizational perspective. In managerial terms, implications have been identified for improving the transmission of knowledge between players who participate in social networks and their businesses within the scope of small-firm networks.