We discuss how firms can replicate practices and knowledge embedded in practices by following principles, with no direct reference to an extant working example (template). Definitions are provided for the key concepts of templates, principles, and background knowledge. We address the challenges...

We discuss in some detail two approaches to the replication of practices between units within an organization or a family of organizations. One approach involves the use of causal principles and the other relies on an extant working example (a template). Definitions are provided for the key...