The present paper is an attempt at investigating the dynamics of knowledge exchange in a hybrid community at the micro level of analysis. The theoretical framework is based on social capital theory as defined in community and organisational studies, and on applied epistemology and knowledge management studies. The proposed model hypothesizes a positive effect of social capital dimensions and personal motivation on the quality of knowledge exchange, which should enhance in its turn the growth of individual knowledge (different dimensions are hypothesized). A quantitative empirical analysis based on structural equation modelling at the individual level is carried out among the members of the National Library of Latvia community (a partly virtual, partly geographical one), in order to test the above mentioned hypotheses. Findings show some common results in organisational and community studies (above all, the positive effect of trust capital on the quality of knowledge exchange), but also some peculiarities which in particular suggest relevant differences with purely virtual communities.
Knowledge Exchange in Hybrid Communities: A Social Capital-Based Approach. Evidence from Latvia
DE LUCIA, CATERINA
2012-01-01
Abstract
The present paper is an attempt at investigating the dynamics of knowledge exchange in a hybrid community at the micro level of analysis. The theoretical framework is based on social capital theory as defined in community and organisational studies, and on applied epistemology and knowledge management studies. The proposed model hypothesizes a positive effect of social capital dimensions and personal motivation on the quality of knowledge exchange, which should enhance in its turn the growth of individual knowledge (different dimensions are hypothesized). A quantitative empirical analysis based on structural equation modelling at the individual level is carried out among the members of the National Library of Latvia community (a partly virtual, partly geographical one), in order to test the above mentioned hypotheses. Findings show some common results in organisational and community studies (above all, the positive effect of trust capital on the quality of knowledge exchange), but also some peculiarities which in particular suggest relevant differences with purely virtual communities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
