Abstract
This paper extends theoretical and empirical debates on knowledge transfer practices in geographically dispersed project teams using a range of communications media. It presents quantitative data comparing work interactions between dispersed and co-located teams in five international, project-based firms. It shows that contrary to conventional wisdom, their respective practices are similar for many work activities such as search and routine information exchange. However dispersed team members validate, verify and consult differently to the respective co-located teams. Qualitative data from interviews and observation then illustrates typical interactions using the differing means and media available to the observed project teams, such as task decomposition and emergency corrective work.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 831-851 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | European Planning Studies |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2005 |
Funding
The authors are grateful for the support of the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) grant no. GR/R54132/01. This paper has benefited from the help and comments of Joel Baum, Toke Reichstein, Ina Drejer, Jesper Lindgaard Christensen, Nigel Wadeson and an anonymous referee. The authors would also like to acknowledge the contribution of numerous practitioners from the companies in the study, who gave their time and insights so generously. The usual disclaimers apply.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development