Researching organizational learning in Chinese contexts

Document Type

Book chapter

Source Publication

Research methodology in strategy and management : Volume 8 - West Meets East: Building Theoretical Bridges

Publication Date

2012

First Page

195

Last Page

216

Abstract

Purpose – The present chapter discusses how qualitative research can assist in rethinking and transcending the limitations of the notion of oneway knowledge transfer, which is still a dominant ontological paradigm of organizational learning in China.

Approach – The authors first present their critiques of the dominant knowledge transfer research paradigm. Then, using a recent case example, they illustrate how qualitative research, coupled with the alternative ontological paradigm of knowledge translation can provide context-sensitive insights into how cultural barriers and other knowledge boundaries can be crossed and how breakthroughs in knowledge transfer can be achieved.

Findings – Qualitative methods are highly appropriate for understanding complex social processes involving political and cross-cultural dynamics. They are ideal for gathering and making sense of the various perceptions, feelings, assumptions, aspirations, motives, and attributions that are held by members of different groups. They can track the sequence of key events and critical choices, and they can provide insights into the anatomy of social networks and power structures.

DOI

10.1108/S1479-8387(2012)0000008010

Publisher Statement

Copyright r 2012 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.

Additional Information

ISBN of the source publication: 9781781900284 ISSN: 1479-8387 doi: 10.1108/S1479-8387(2012)0000008010

Full-text Version

Publisher’s Version

Language

English

Recommended Citation

Hong, J. F. L., Snell, R. S., and Easterby-Smith, M. (2012) Researching organizational learning in Chinese contexts. In Wang, C. L., Ketchen, D. J. & Bergh, D. D. (Eds.) West meets East: Building theoretical bridges (pp.195-216). Bingley, U.K.: Emerald. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S1479-8387(2012)0000008010

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