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

Elliot, K.; Patacconi, A.; Swierzbinski, J.; Williams, J.

doi:10.1111/emre.12336

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

Elliot, K.; Patacconi, A.; Swierzbinski, J.; Williams, J.

Authors

K. Elliot

A. Patacconi

J. Swierzbinski

Professor Julian Williams julian.williams@durham.ac.uk
Head of Department

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.

Citation

Elliot, K., Patacconi, A., Swierzbinski, J., & Williams, J. (2019). Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs. European Management Review, 16(1), 179-193. https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12336

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Sep 10, 2018
Online Publication Date	Dec 5, 2018
Publication Date	Mar 31, 2019
Deposit Date	Sep 20, 2018
Publicly Available Date	Dec 5, 2020
Journal	European Management Review
Print ISSN	1740-4754
Electronic ISSN	1740-4762
Publisher	Wiley
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	16
Issue	1
Pages	179-193
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12336
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1318973

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Copyright Statement
This is the accepted version of the following article: Elliot, K., Patacconi, A., Swierzbinski, J. & Williams, J. (2019). Knowledge protection in firms: A conceptual framework and evidence from HP Labs. European Management Review 16(1): 179-193, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12336. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.