Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs

Elliot, K.; Patacconi, A.; Swierzbinski, J.; Williams, J.

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple framework to examine organizational methods of knowledge protection. The framework highlights a basic trade‐off between improving decision‐making and innovation through communication and mitigating security risks by imposing restrictions on communication flows. The trade‐off is mediated by factors such as the sensitivity of information, the degree to which employees can be trusted to handle sensitive information appropriately, and firms’ investments in legal protection mechanisms. Evidence from HP Labs supports the basic predictions of the model, in particular the importance of employee trustworthiness and internalized codes of behavior in promoting open communication. Our interviews also suggest a potential conflict between two of the most important appropriability mechanisms: secrecy and lead‐time advantage.

Citation

Elliot, K., Patacconi, A., Swierzbinski, J., & Williams, J. (2019). Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs. European Management Review, 16(1), 179-193. https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12336

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 10, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Dec 5, 2018
• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2019
• Deposit Date: Sep 20, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 5, 2020
• Journal: European Management Review
• Print ISSN: 1740-4754
• Electronic ISSN: 1740-4762
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 179-193
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12336
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1318973