Knowledge creation and discovery learning teams: A case study exploring the dynamics of knowledge creation, utilization, and transfer in bio-technology R&D groups

This case study research examined teams and groups of highly trained and skilled professionals engaged in intensive self-directed individual learning and group discovery learning activities in a technology-based, information intense organization. A nine-month ethnographic study was conducted examining how groups of R&D scientists worked in "knowledge creation teams". A framework was developed to help understand the complex and dynamic nature of knowledge creation and discovery learning in a seemingly chaotic technology based work environment.; The goal of this research is to examine the dynamics of a knowledge creation team in action, identifying contributing processes: (1) Describe in detail the ways that a knowledge creation team in a product innovation group functions, and to (2) Identify and describe the underlying complexity, and contributing factors, as they contribute to team learning and knowledge creation in teams engaged in information intensive work.; Initial observations focused on individual and team learning activities, the dynamics of explicit and tacit knowledge transformations, and the communication patterns and networks that developed in the product innovation group that was observed. The concept of knowledge networks emerged as a vehicle for transferring knowledge and learning in and between groups. The places and areas created for team interaction provided unique environments supporting and facilitating knowledge creation by teams of professionals. In these environments teaching, and learning to teach, emerged as a major engine for creating and transferring new knowledge in the organization. A framework was developed to understand how teams of highly trained professionals engage in discovery learning and knowledge creation.; The framework describes a network of interactions which helps individuals and groups communicate, reflect on, and transform information and knowledge into new understandings. This complex adaptive system consists of self-organized and directed groups of professionals engaged in high content networks of communication in which they build new relationships and develop new ideas. The groups used these networks to evaluate experiences, information, and knowledge to develop new conceptual and theoretical models to transform their understandings of new product innovation.