Transfer of Information within Organizations – First Results

In: Jahrbuch für Wirtschaftsgeschichte: Economic history yearbook, Volume 56, Issue 1, p. 257-266

Abstract

Abstract
A first overview on the usefulness of systems of information transfer for business history is provided, taking into account the contributions of this volume as well as others. The confrontation of empirical information and theory was useful to a certain extent, while it showed little progress in a couple of other cases. Within such systems of information transfer, trust, author and cultural knowledge play a significant role, which helps explain management results. Their degree can explain success and failure, though not in a linear way. The human factor plays an overriding part only in exceptional cases where an extremely strong personality represents the top of an organization, otherwise structural factor prevail. Since there is no taxonomy it is difficult though not impossible to evaluate the quality and usefulness of a specific system of information. There is some indication that organizations which are exposed to competition make better use of their systems than non-competitive organizations.