| Summary: | The purpose of this paper is to analyze existing knowledge on how
organizations learn using multilevel comparison perspective of intra- and
inter-organizational learning and to offer deeper understanding of the role
that organizational design properties have in inter-organizational learning.
Using Argote and Ophir (2005) findings on similarity vs complementarity fit
developed for intra-organizational learning as an anchor, we analyze the role
similarity vs complementarity fit of organizational configuration and
coordination properties in inter-organizational settings. Our intention is to
explicitly express the role of interorganizational design fit in
inter-organizational knowledge management. Framework developed here
systematizes and explains how strategic objectives of network creation
(exploration or exploitation) should be aligned with learning mechanisms
(learning by doing or learning by listening/observing) and organizational
design properties. From the point of organization theory, this paper advances
knowledge about the influence organizational design as intra-organizational
property has on knowledge transfer between organizations and
inter-organizational learning. Our framework helps managers understand how
inter-organizational design fit can influence inter-organizational learning
within the network. With regard to policy making, knowledge networks are
becoming increasingly important as a mechanism of industrial development
support, economic growth, increase of employment and poverty reduction and
this paper points to mechanisms of inter-organizational design that can be
used in managing these networks.
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