Knowledge coordination, competence creation and integrated networks in globalised firms

Abstract

It is argued in this article that the main problem for the modern, globalised firm is not one primarily of the unequal distribution of information, but rather of the difficulty of mobilising and integrating fragmented forms of localised knowledge. In such a context, the role of new means of telecommunication and cooperative working is investigated. It is shown that networking favours a transparent mode of governance characterised by inter-linked actors and their continuous stimulation. Thus, the conceptualisation of the globalised firm as a collection of competences offers a framework for analysing governance mechanisms, involving the issue of incentives.