Learning through grafting in ventures in new areas

Much has been written about how the members of an organization develop new knowledge and competencies; far less about how organizations can acquire knowledge through grafting on new members. Nevertheless this is a very important vehicle for leaming in Western firms. This is an empirical study of learning through grafting in 13 major ventures in new areas. The study is based on interviews with top-management and conveys their image of the learning process. It shows how the companies have acted to acquire new knowledge, and develop new competencies, together with the factors affecting the process of learning.