Study On Firm Evolution And Its Strategy From The Knowledge Perspective

A much more complicated, variable and fiercely competitive market has put forward higher and higher requirements for the evolution of firms. And firms need the instruction of a firm evolution theory which is much more according to actual condition. The development of knowledge based theory of firm and knowledge management theory provide the study of firm evolution theory some new theoretical basis. A new interpretation of firm evolution theory from the perspective of knowledge and management was proposed according to the new results of firm theory and actual condition of firm operation, and more pertinent strategies of firm evolution were presented in this dissertation.Firstly, three dimensions of firm evolution were proposed on the basis of the history and research results of firm evolution, they were technology dimension, management mode dimension and nervous system dimension. Main external environmental factors that affected the evolution of firms were analyzed. Then the model of firm evolution was built and a quantitative description of the micro-routes of firm evolution was given.Secondly, the essence of firm evolution was re-explained on the basis of the explanation of basic problems of the firm according to the knowledge based theory of the firm. Three important concepts inheritance, variation and selection were re-defined and the mechanism of firm evolution was detailed from a knowledge perspective. And the measure method of firm evolution was put forward.Thirdly, causality graphs of the interaction between main factors and others factors during the firm evolution were constructed with the method of system thinking, including firm evolution and external environment, single firm evolution, and the evolution of firm populations. Functions of those factors during firm evolution were detailed and the key steps that affected firm evolution were found out according to the analysis of feedback loops. Fourthly, entire open knowledge platform of the firm was proposed as the basis to integrate different kinds of knowledge within the firm. The conceptual model of firm evolution oriented knowledge integrated life circle management was built, the mechanism of knowledge integration within the firm and the route of the growth path of the firm knowledge during the integrated life circle were analyzed, and the relationship between firm evolution and knowledge integrated life circle management was discussed. And the three dimensions co-evolution strategy of the firm was proposed based on knowledge integrated life circle management.Lastly, the strategy of building a firm-centered knowledge system was suggested from a macroscopic level to promote the evolution of all firm populations and improve the efficiency of knowledge innovation and application. And a strategy of establishing learning organization was suggested from a microscopic level to promote the evolution of single firm.In summary, this study provides valuable reference to guide the practice of firm evolution. It's an extension of the application of knowledge based theory of firm and a development of the firm evolution theory.