The role of social networks in knowledge creation

It is a basic principle of literature that social networks allow their members to access new knowledge. The exchange and combination of knowledge that these networks provide is widely recognized as an antecedent of knowledge creation. By reviewing the main contributions of literature that link social networks to knowledge creation and innovation, we intend to explore how different types of networks, as well as the different dimensions of their social capital, influence innovative performance. An exhaustive coverage of prior literature has been carried out in order to locate all the relevant previous work. The analysis shows up the complex relationship between social networks' diverse facets and their members' capacity to create knowledge. The strategies defined for knowledge searching can condition which is the most appropriate type of network. In turn, the type of network can determine the most suitable structural and relational embeddedness. Hence, the decision to participate in social networks requires taking into consideration the different environments of these networks and also the singular aspects they present. Knowledge Management Research & Practice (2013) 11, 62-77. doi: 10.1057/kmrp.2012.28; published online 20 August 2012