Collaborative network characteristics and learning practices
Yorke, Astrid Lisa Marianne (2020-05-27)
27.05.2020
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2020060540981
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2020060540981
Tiivistelmä
Aim: The purpose of this study is to research the characteristics and practices of a purposefully built collaborative network. Through the findings, the thesis findings seek to support the development of a collaborative network.
Framework: The study covers two research areas the characteristics of collaborative networks and Organization-as-practice research field. The characteristics of collaborative networks include partner characteristics and a three-step joint learning process. The organization-as-practice presents key concepts of practice. The created models are a combination of the two research areas.
Methodology: The empirical part of the thesis includes network characteristics, goals, partner organizations, practitioners’ roles and learning process of five companies which are members of the network studied. The data was gathered through interviewing network practitioners using semi-structured interviews. The thesis adopts a subjective and interpretative approach. Finally, the theory is developed through an abductive approach.
Findings and contribution: There were differences and similarities in the characteristics and the practices described by the interviewees. The goals described were focused on value creation, collaborative work and putting effort to maximize network success. The network organizations were found to vary in terms of their roles and the connections they had between each other. The learning process phases share some common themes. In knowledge sharing, these were the allocation of time, fit of purpose tools, trust and focus on finding a joint purpose. In joint sense-making, they included a commitment to support continuity, use of simple tools, adjusting participants and actively starting and developing over time. In knowledge integration, themes consisted of customer-centricity, simple tools, standard tools, feedback collection, review and additional work.
Framework: The study covers two research areas the characteristics of collaborative networks and Organization-as-practice research field. The characteristics of collaborative networks include partner characteristics and a three-step joint learning process. The organization-as-practice presents key concepts of practice. The created models are a combination of the two research areas.
Methodology: The empirical part of the thesis includes network characteristics, goals, partner organizations, practitioners’ roles and learning process of five companies which are members of the network studied. The data was gathered through interviewing network practitioners using semi-structured interviews. The thesis adopts a subjective and interpretative approach. Finally, the theory is developed through an abductive approach.
Findings and contribution: There were differences and similarities in the characteristics and the practices described by the interviewees. The goals described were focused on value creation, collaborative work and putting effort to maximize network success. The network organizations were found to vary in terms of their roles and the connections they had between each other. The learning process phases share some common themes. In knowledge sharing, these were the allocation of time, fit of purpose tools, trust and focus on finding a joint purpose. In joint sense-making, they included a commitment to support continuity, use of simple tools, adjusting participants and actively starting and developing over time. In knowledge integration, themes consisted of customer-centricity, simple tools, standard tools, feedback collection, review and additional work.