FELU Award for Research Achievements in 2010

Posted on by Miha Škerlavaj

Faculty of Economics @ University of Ljubljana awarded my colleagues and myself for the second time in the last three years with an award for research achievements. This time we got second prize for the paper Škerlavaj, M., Dimovski, V., & Desouza, K. (2010): Patterns and Structures of Intra-Organizational Learning Networks Within a Knowledge-Intensive Organization, Journal of Information Technology, 25(2):189-204.

The abstract. This paper employs the network perspective to study patterns and structures of intra-organizational learning networks. The theoretical background draws from cognitive theories, theories of homophily and proximity, theories of social exchange, the theory of generalized exchange, small-worlds theory, and social process theory. The levels of analysis applied are actor, dyadic, triadic, and global. Confirmatory social network analysis (exponential random graph modeling) was employed for data analysis. Findings suggest: (1) central actors in the learning network are experienced and hold senior positions in the organizational hierarchy; (2) evidence of homophily (in terms of gender, tenure, and hierarchical level relations) and proximity (in terms of geographical and departmental distances) in learning relationships; (3) learning relationships are non-reciprocal; and (4) transitivity and high local clustering with sparse inter-cluster ties are significant for intra-organizational learning networks.

Some pics from the event are available at the following link.

Intra-organizational learning networks within knowledge-intensive learning environments

Posted on by Miha Škerlavaj

A new publication on learning networks is now officially availabe to the interested audience:

Škerlavaj, M., Dimovski, V., Mrvar, A. and Pahor, M.(2010) ‘Intra-organizational learning networks within knowledge-intensive learning environments‘, Interactive Learning Environments, 18: 1, 39 — 63,

Abstract:

Organizational learning contributes to organizational performance. One research  question that remains inadequately explained is how learning occurs. Can it be
explained by using the acquisition or participation perspectives? Or is there a need for some other view? This paper suggests that learning networks form an
important learning environment for knowledge transfer. A case study of a software development and business consulting company is used to test the
network perspective on intra-organizational learning. Both exploratory and confirmatory social network analysis of a learning network within the IT
company are used to establish learning patterns within organizations. Learning needs to be seen as both participation in communities of practice and a flow of
previously acquired knowledge.

Keywords: organizational learning; network perspective; social network analysis; exponential random graph modeling; knowledge-intensive learning environment

Author Posting. © ‘Copyright Holder’, 2010.
This is the author’s version of the work. It is posted here by permission of ‘Copyright Holder’ for personal use, not for redistribution.
The definitive version was published in Interactive Learning Environments, Volume 18 Issue 1, March 2010.
doi:10.1080/10494820802190374 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10494820802190374)

Research seminar in Cardiff & Bath

Posted on by Miha Škerlavaj

For those of you who will be around Cardiff Business School (18.5.2008) or University of Bath (20.5.2008), here is a research seminar that I’ll give: “Organizational learning: Why and how?“.

Sunbelt 2008

Posted on by Miha Škerlavaj

Sunbelt 2008Today, I’ve held the talk at THE conference on social networks – Sunbelt 2008, St. Pete Beach, Florida. The conference paper is a result of collaboration with prof. Vlado Dimovski and prof. Emmanuel Lazega and is entitled What leads to effective social learning? It deals with the research question how to boost performance through learning, advice and socializing  networks. For those interested, here is the abstract and the presentation slides.

And few photos as well… 

Conference lobby  Hotel Tradewinds at St. Pete Beach  Vizsards session  Network visualization  And some sandy beaches  Alps from the birds’ perspective

EURAM 2008 – submission due date approaching fast!

Posted on by Miha Škerlavaj

EIJM27.1.2008 is D-day! The submission due date for EURAM 2008  conference has been postponed. We invite all social net-workers to participate in the track on Intra-organizational Learning and Knowledge Networks! The selection of best papers will be published in European Journal of International Management. 

EURAM 2008EURAM 2008EURAM 2008