Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Creating knowledge through networks: A gender perspective

Durbin, Susan

Authors

Susan Durbin Sue.Durbin@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Human Resource Management



Abstract

This article offers a theoretical analysis of knowledge creation through networking, specifically drawing upon the example of female senior managers as potential knowledge creators. The article constructs a model of networks and their corresponding knowledge and organizational types. It highlights the importance of differentiating between formal and informal networks and shows that senior women have limited access to and are often excluded from strategic informal networks, such as the old boys' network. Restricted network access denies involvement in the exchange and creation of tacit knowledge and ultimately, organizational resources and power. The strength of network ties may also impact upon the quality of knowledge exchanged within networks, its level of complexity and strategic relevance. The article contributes to the debate on the gendering of the knowledge economy and suggests a theoretical approach to understanding women's inclusion and exclusion from knowledge creation in organizations. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Citation

Durbin, S. (2011). Creating knowledge through networks: A gender perspective. Gender, Work and Organization, 18(1), 90-112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0432.2010.00536.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2011
Journal Gender, Work and Organization
Print ISSN 0968-6673
Electronic ISSN 1468-0432
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 18
Issue 1
Pages 90-112
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0432.2010.00536.x
Keywords knowledge, networking, gender, homophily, old boys' networks
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/965826
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0432.2010.00536.x