Skip to main content

Diversity of the Knowledge Base in Organizations: Results of an Agent-Based Simulation

  • Conference paper
Book cover Advances on Practical Applications of Agents and Multiagent Systems

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent and Soft Computing ((AINSC,volume 88))

Abstract

The knowledge base used in organizations for decision-making usually is diverse due to various information systems or differing expertise of decisionmakers. By an agent-based simulation the paper analyzes the question which level of diversity in the knowledge base in an organization is beneficial. The findings indicate that the preferable level of diversity subtly depends on the need and the mode to coordinate decisions in organizations. However, the findings provide support to rather unify the knowledge base on a medium level of quality than fragmenting and specializing the knowledge base. Furthermore, it appears that learning and adjustment capabilities in decentralized structures are more promising than the investment in a knowledge base as perfect as possible.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. DeSarbo, W.S., Di Benedetto, C.A., Song, M.: A heterogeneous resource based view for exploring relationships between firm performance and capabilities. Journal of Modelling in Management 2, 103–130 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. van Elst, L., Dignum, V., Abecker, A.: Towards Agent-Mediated Knowledge Management. In: van Elst, L., Dignum, V., Abecker, A. (eds.) AMKM 2003. LNCS (LNAI), vol. 2926, pp. 1–30. Springer, Heidelberg (2004)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  3. Galbraith, J.R.: Designing Complex Organizations. Addison-Wesley, Reading (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Ginzberg, M.J.: An Organizational Contingencies View of Accounting and Information Systems Implementation. Account Org. Soc. 5, 369–382 (1980)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Giachetti, R.E.: A framework to review the information integration of the enterprise. Int. J. Prod. Res. 42, 1147–1166 (2004)

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  6. Goodhue, D.L., Wybo, M.D., Kirsch, L.J.: The Impact of Data Integration on the Costs and Benefits of Information Systems. MIS Quart. 16, 293–311 (1992)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Hitt, M.A., Ireland, R.D.: Relationships among corporate level distinctive competencies, diversification strategy, corporate structure and performance. Journal of Manage. Stud. 23, 401–416 (1986)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Kauffman, S.A.: The origins of order: Self-organization and selection in evolution. Oxford University Press, Oxford (1993)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Kauffman, S.A., Levin, S.: Towards a general theory of adaptive walks on rugged landscapes. J. Theor. Biol. 128, 11–45 (1987)

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  10. Kappos, A., Rivard, S.: A three-perspective model of culture, information systems and their development and use. MIS Quart. 32, 601–634 (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Knudsen, T., Levinthal, D.A.: Two Faces of Search: Alternative Generation and Alternative Evaluation. Organ. Sci. 18, 39–54 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Labro, E., Vanhoucke, M.: A simulation analysis of interactions among errors in costing systems. Account Rev. 82, 939–962 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Lambert, R.A.: Contracting theory and accounting. J. Account Econ. 32, 3–87 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Levitan, B., Kauffman, S.A.: Adaptive walks with noisy fitness measurements. Mol. Divers. 1, 53–68 (1995)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Liu, X., Zhang, W.J., Radhakrishnan, R., Tu, Y.L.: Manufacturing perspective of enterprise application integration: the state of the art review. Int. J. Prod. Res. 46, 4567–4596 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Madnick, S., Wang, R.: Introduction to the TDQM Research Program. Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1992), Available via DIALOG http://web.mit.edu/tdqm/papers/92/92-01.html (Cited 30 December 30, 2010)

  17. Marschak, J.: Towards an Economic Theory of Organization and Information. In: Thrall, R.M., Coombs, C., Davis, R.L. (eds.) Decision Processes. Wiley, New York (1954)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Rivkin, R.W., Siggelkow, N.: Patterned interactions in complex systems: Implications for exploration. Manage Sci. 53, 1068–1085 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Siggelkow, N., Rivkin, J.W.: Speed and search: Designing organizations for turbulence and complexity. Organ Sci. 16, 101–122 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Tee, S.W., Bowen, P.L., Doyle, P., Rohde, F.H.: Factors influencing organizations to improve data quality in their information systems. Account Financ. 47, 335–355 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Wall, F.: The (Beneficial) Role of Informational Imperfections in Enhancing Organisational Performance. In: LiCalzi, M., Milone, L., Pellizzari, P. (eds.) Progress in Artificial Economics: Computational and Agent-Based Models. Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, vol. 645. Springer, Heidelberg (2010)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Wall, F. (2011). Diversity of the Knowledge Base in Organizations: Results of an Agent-Based Simulation. In: Demazeau, Y., Pěchoucěk, M., Corchado, J.M., Pérez, J.B. (eds) Advances on Practical Applications of Agents and Multiagent Systems. Advances in Intelligent and Soft Computing, vol 88. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19875-5_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19875-5_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-19874-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-19875-5

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics