| This dissertation proposes a conceptualization of knowledge networks based on the roles of individuals and examines the effect of an individual's knowledge network on his or her innovation performance. The study begins by identifying the key features of individual knowledge networks---the depth of knowledge elements, the breadth of knowledge elements, and the tie strength among knowledge elements. The study then explores the links between each feature and innovation performance. Analyzing data from the R&D department of a leading US oil and gas company, this work shows that the depth of an employee's knowledge elements has a marginally negative linear effect on his or her innovation performance; this relationship is not moderated by the presence of strong knowledge ties. The breadth of an employee's knowledge elements has a curvilinear effect on his or her innovation performance; weak knowledge ties increase innovation performance in individuals with low knowledge breadth but decrease innovation performance for individuals with high knowledge breadth. These results suggest that knowledge tie strength is more important for innovation than the depth or breadth of knowledge elements. These findings demonstrate that the individual's knowledge network serves as an expanded knowledge base that can facilitate innovation. |
