Combinational and dislocated knowledge and the norwegian client-consultant relationship |
| |
Authors: | Grete Rusten Hallgeir Gammelsæter John Bryson |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Institute for Research in Economics and Business Administration (SNF), Breiviksveien 40, 5045 Bergen, Norway;2. Molde University College, Servicebox 8, 6405 Molde, Norway;3. Reader in Economic Geography, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK |
| |
Abstract: | This article makes two contributions to the literature on producer services. First, the ‘knowledge combinational’ problem of small firms is identified and explored in relation to the interplay of forms of internal and external expertise and knowledge. Second, the role geographic distance plays in a company's decision to employ a particular consultant is explored. The importance, in specific situations, of forms of dislocated expertise or knowledge is identified. By this is meant external expertise that is removed from the client's local social milieu. The article is based on detailed case studies of two small Norwegian companies. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|