Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi argues that despite increasing emphasis on knowledge work and knowledge workers, the dynamics of knowledge creation in a knowledge intensive domain such as Research and Development is an elusive topic.
Working Papers
Research and Insights from the Center for Effective Organizations
Available Content
A Performance Management Model for Team-Based Settings
Based on recent research at CEO, this paper by A. Mohrman, Jr. and S. Mohrman lays out a model of performance management systems in team-based knowledge work settings.
When People Get Out of the Box: New Attachments to Co-Workers
S. Mohrman and S. Cohen state that new approaches to designing and managing organizations are changing the assumptions that have been built into traditional hierarchical organizations and the performance required by organizational participants.
Realizing a Corporate Philosophy
This paper by G. Ledford, Jr., J. Wendenhof, and J. Strahley examines the case of Eaton Corporation, which has developed an innovative process to turn its ideas into day-to-day reality.
Processes of Global Organization: Learning from the Eradication of Smallpox
Tojo J. Thachankary, Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi, and David L. Cooperrider analyze the global eradication of smallpox, the first and the only completely successful global effort in disease eradication.
The Effects of Information Technology: An Investigation of the Motivational Impact of Information Technology
The results of this research by Gary C. McMahan, Richard Woodman, and Patrick M. Wright support the notion that there are at least two distinct types of information technology that affect the motivational level of a task. Results also support the hypothesis that task discretion moderates the relationship between information technology and task motivation.
An International Comparison of Organization Development Practices: The United States and Hong Kong
This study by Chung-Ming Lau, Gary C. McMahan, and Richard W. Woodman explored culture-bound issues in OD. The results of surveys among major firms in the United States and Hong Kong indicated few major differences in their OD practices, though the usage of specific OD interventions varied.
The Impact of Schemas and Inquiry Frames on Consultants’ Constructions of Expectations about the Client System
This study by Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi, Tojo J. Thachankary, Frank J. Barrett, and Michael R. Manning investigated and supported the view that the consultants’ constructions of positive or negative perceptions and expectations about the client system is an artifact of consultant organizational schemas and inquiry frames.
The Impact of Cognitive Biases on Delays in Product Development Teams
In this study, Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi and Ronald E. Purser conceptually establish and empirically examine the relationship between cognitive biases and incidence of delays in 25 product development teams.
Raising Awareness of Interpretive Processes in Knowledge Work
Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi, Richard J. Boland, Jr., and Ronald E. Purser argue that in contrast to routine work systems such as traditional manufacturing where work is defined, repetitive, and embedded in clear, shared goals, knowledge work or non-routine work as in new product development is an inherently complex, uncertain and ambiguous process.
Examining Cognitive Processes in R&D: Cognitive Simplification Activity as a Measure of the Quality of Thinking in New Product Development Teams
Ramkrishnan V. Tenkasi proposes that cognitive simplification processes can be a useful measure of the quality of cognitive activity in R&D. New product development teams reporting a higher incidence of cognitive simplification processes in their deliberations were rated lower on project performance.
Managing the Transformation Process: Planning for a Perilous Journey
William H. Davidson argues that successful transformation produces spectacular results, but the process can be prolonged and painful. Transformation occurs over a period of years in even the most agile and nimble organization.