Findings: 17 case studies

Abstract

This chapter describes the findings of the second series of case studies. The aim of this study is to provide insight into what characteristics of social capital influence social learning processes that lead to knowledge productivity. The second series of case study consists of a case study research of 17 networks. The study of these networks serves as an input to validate and possibly extend the conceptual framework presented in Chapter 4. Chapter 7 presents a cross-case analysis of the case studies. The research activities focus on 17 networks across 15 organizations geographically dispersed in the Netherlands. The research activities took place between December 2007 and May of 2009. The 17 networks are studied over a longer period in time in order to include the development of social capital within the networks and to be able to study knowledge productive results that often take time to be realized. The research activities in each network took between six to twelve months. During this timeframe a group of co-researchers observed network meetings, frequently interviewed participants and organized reflection meetings. The aim of the reflection meeting is to present preliminary findings of the case study to the members of the network in order to validate the findings. This also leads to the identification of stimulating and inhibiting factors in the network that are presented after each case description. Each network is studied by a minimum of two co-researchers. The validated findings serve as input to organize a discussion meeting within the organization to check if the activities of the network resulted in knowledge productivity within the relevant organization.