Abstracts
Abstract
This paper seeks to analyze the extent to which organizations can learn in an Information System (IS) context by focusing on the relationship between projects and communities of practice. Adopting a theoretical framework combining the social learning literature (Lave, 1991; Wenger; 1998, Orlikowski, 2002) and a structural approach (Giddens, 1984), we used an ethnographic study to examine two contrasting learning dynamics in the IS Department of a multinational car manufacturer. Our findings highlight embeddedness and facilitating and inhibiting factors in learning process. Our discussion suggests an integrated knowledge management perspective (Pawlowski, Robey, 2004; Levine, Xin, 2007, Srikantaiahet al., 2010).
Keywords:
- Learning dynamics,
- project team,
- communities of practice,
- social boundaries,
- IS context,
- knowledge management
Résumé
Dans cet article nous analysons comment les organisations apprennent dans un contexte en Systèmes d’Information, où projets et communautés de pratique interagissent. Notre cadre conceptuel combine la littérature en apprentissage social (Lave, 1991; Wenger; 1998, Orlikowski, 2002) et l’approche structurationniste (Giddens, 1984). L’étude ethnographique utilisée permet d’analyser deux dynamiques d’apprentissage contrastées dans la Direction des Systèmes d’Information d’un constructeur automobile en France. Nos résultats soulignent les attributs encastrés des connaissances ainsi que les facteurs facilitateurs et inhibiteurs du processus d’apprentissage collectif. Notre discussion suggère une perspective intégrée du management des connaissances (Pawlowski, Robey, 2004; Levina, Xin, 2007, Srikantaiah et al., 2010).
Mots-clés :
- dynamique d’apprentissage,
- équipe projet,
- communauté de pratique,
- frontières sociales,
- contexte SI,
- management des connaissances
Resumen
En el presente trabajo analizamos cómo las organizaciones aprenden en un contexto de Sistemas de Información donde proyectos y comunidades de práctica interactúan. Para hacerlo, combinamos la literatura en aprendizaje social (Lave, 1991; Wenger; 1998, Orlikowski, 2002) y la teoría estructuracionista (Giddens, 1984). El estudio etnográfico utilizado permite analizar dos dinámicas contrastadas de aprendizaje en un fabricante de automóviles en Francia. Nuestros resultados muestran atributos de los conocimientos así como factores facilitadores e inhibidores de aprendizaje colectivo. Nuestra discusión sugiere una perspectiva integrada de la gestión de los conocimientos (Pawlowski, Robey, 2004; Levine, Xin, 2007, Srikantaiah et al., 2010).
Palabras clave:
- dinámica de aprendizaje,
- equipo de proyecto,
- comunidad de práctica,
- fronteras sociales,
- contexto SI,
- gestión de los conocimientos
Appendices
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