The Role of Existing Knowledge in New Product Innovativeness and Performance

• Published in: Decision sciences Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 385 - 419
• Main Authors: Brockman, Beverly K., Morgan, Robert M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 350 Main Street , Malden , MA 02148 , USA Decision Sciences 01-05-2003; American Institute for Decision Sciences
• Subjects: Competition; Competitive advantage; Corporate culture; Efficiency; Innovations; Knowledge Acquisition; Knowledge Building; Knowledge Management; Learning; Learning Culture; Organizational behavior; Organizational learning; Product design; Product Design/Planning; Product development; Qualitative research; Schools; Structural equation modeling; Structural Equation Models; Studies; United States > US
• ISSN: 0011-7315; 1540-5915
• DOI: 10.1111/1540-5915.02326

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to provide a more thorough assessment of the link between existing knowledge and organizational performance than currently exists in the literature. We identify factors and processes influential in the management of existing knowledge within the areas of learning culture, knowledge building, and organizational performance. Through structural equation modeling, a more thorough examination is given of the role existing knowledge plays in new product performance and innovativeness. In completing this task, we provide insight into the subprocesses of knowledge building by evaluating the influence of shared interpretation and two aspects of information acquisition—efficiency and degree of innovativeness of newly acquired information—on new product development (NPD) outcomes. Included in the examination of these processes are organizational culture and structure characteristics believed to influence knowledge management success.