The contribution of social networks to organisational learning in an industrial family business

Requirements

Beinn Purvis is a research assistant at BIBS and published this empirical paper together with Maocai Zhang, a DBA graduates at IPAG Business School in France and a business leader in China.

This study explores the role of social networking platforms in contributing to the learning capabilities of industrial family firms. It addresses gaps in organisational learning research, particularly concerning the specific types of organisations studied, which often focus on public entities.

Findings

The findings underscore the complementary roles of WeChat and DingTalk in fostering organisational learning. WeChat facilitates dynamic and flexible knowledge sharing, while DingTalk provides managerial control and formal documentation. Together, these networking platforms enhance both individual and collective learning within the company.

Take aways

This study provides valuable insights for managers on the effective use of social networking platforms to build learning organisations, particularly within family businesses. It highlights the importance of integrating informal and formal social networking platforms to support continuous learning and organisational development.

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