Determinants of the Knowledge Combinative Capability Based on Social Capital Theory

사회적 자본의 관점에서 본 결합능력의 형성요인 -특허청 사례를 중심으로-

New knowledge is created through the dynamic interaction of knowledge that depends largely on a social context within the organization. Social processes influence the nature of knowledge and learning. This paper is rooted in the concept of social capital. Social capital theory emphasizes the importance of social relationship. Using social capital theory, this paper suggests three factors that must be satisfied for the development of knowledge combinative capability. The first factor is that the opportunity exists to make the exchange or combination of knowledge. The second factor is that people is motivated for the creation of new knowledge. The third factor is that people must share the common knowledge. This paper examines the change case of KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office). This case provides evidence that the three factors can develop social relationship, and build knowledge combinative capability. The man finding from this research is that social factors play an important part in the creation of knowledge, and processes of knowledge exchange and combination heavily rely upon social patterns, practices and processes in ways which emphasize the value and importance of collective action and knowledge sharing. This research may have several implications for the development of the knowledge creation mechanisms.