Description of knowledge management in network organisations operating on the Polish market

Knowledge plays a double role in network organisations: on the one hand it is a determinant and the main reason for creating a network structure, on the other hand – it is the effect of the functioning of these structures. Knowledge resources in network organisations should be constantly renewed, updated, created and protected. Skilful knowledge resources management can significantly increase the effectiveness and innovation of network organisations. Based on the model created by herself, the author has carried out a detailed analysis of the phenomenon and conditions of knowledge management at 363 network organisations operating in 2013 in Poland (including 121 belonging to cluster‑type organisations, 121 franchise organisations and 121 virtual organisations). Potential factors having an impact on individual knowledge management parameters were considered, such as: the size of an enterprise, the type of its activities, the network type, the role in the network, the size of a network, the geographical scope of network activities and the network development phase.