Communication network roles as knowledge communicative positions

This chapter presents a study of the relationship between internal organisational communication networks, network roles, and organisational knowledge communication. Based on a theoretical framework of organisational knowledge communication and communication networks and a social network analysis combined with interviews and discourse analysis focusing on positioning, the study investigated the communication network in a small NGO, the knowledge positions employees attached to their colleagues and themselves, and the basis for their reasoning about the positions. Findings showed that the employees positioned themselves and their colleagues in relation to several different knowledge types. As regards the communication network and network roles, the positioning was based on a number of contingency factors. In conclusion, from a positioning perspective, there were connections between the organisation’s work-related communication network, network roles, and organisational knowledge communication, but they were contingent on several factors that could change in different situations. The chapter ends with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications and recommendations for approaches to future studies.