关键词: 技术联盟网络, 知识管理动机, 社会网络分析, 索尼公司, Technological alliance networks, Knowledge management motives, Social network Analysis, Sony Corporation

Abstract: The paper takes Sony’s technological alliance networks from 1995 to 2011 as the case, investigating the fit between different types of alliance networks and knowledge management motives. Firstly, based on the characteristics and types of social network, the paper develops four hypotheses respectively regarding the fit between weak ties, strong ties, standard alliance networks and knowledge acquisition, explorative knowledge sharing, exploitative knowledge sharing and knowledge commercialization. Then the paper analyzes that licensing, equity joint ventures, collaborative agreements, and standard alliance networks are associated with different knowledge management motives. Finally, the paper concludes with managerial implications on importance of the role of organizational boundary spanners, improving the fit between alliance networks and knowledge management motives, and enhancing the alliance network management capabilities.