Integrating specific knowledge: insights from the Kennedy Space Center

This paper presents a theoretical model of knowledge integration, by developing a classification of types of specific knowledge (context-specific, technology-specific, and context-and-technology-specific) and examining the effects of four knowledge integration mechanisms (exchange, direction, socialization, and internalization) on the integration of these knowledge types. Based on prior literature, we argue that: 1) different types of specific knowledge are characterized by different levels of common knowledge; 2) different knowledge integration mechanisms require different levels of common knowledge; and 3) integration mechanisms can be matched with knowledge types based on efficiency/effectiveness considerations. Empirical research at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, which involved two rounds of interviews and a questionnaires survey of 159 individuals, explores the relationships among the four knowledge integration mechanisms, the three types of specific knowledge, and satisfaction with knowledge integration. Results indicate that exchange, socialization, and internalization support the integration of context-specific, technology-specific, and context-and-technology-specific types of knowledge, respectively. Direction and internalization, but not exchange and socialization, influence satisfaction with knowledge integration. Implications for practice and future research are examined.