Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs

Elliott, Karen, Patacconi, Andrea, Swierzbinski, Joseph and Williams, Julian (2019) Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs. European Management Review, 16 (1). pp. 179-193. ISSN 1740-4754

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Abstract

This paper proposes a simple framework to examine organizational methods of knowledge protection. The framework highlights a basic trade‐off between improving decision‐making and innovation through communication and mitigating security risks by imposing restrictions on communication flows. The trade‐off is mediated by factors such as the sensitivity of information, the degree to which employees can be trusted to handle sensitive information appropriately, and firms’ investments in legal protection mechanisms. Evidence from HP Labs supports the basic predictions of the model, in particular the importance of employee trustworthiness and internalized codes of behavior in promoting open communication. Our interviews also suggest a potential conflict between two of the most important appropriability mechanisms: secrecy and lead‐time advantage.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Norwich Business School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Responsible Business Regulation Group Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Strategy and Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	13 Jun 2019 07:30
Last Modified:	17 Jul 2025 11:33
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/71358
DOI:	10.1111/emre.12336

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