Gatekeeper
Concept suggested by Thomas J. Allen (1969). A gatekeeper is a key
person, who facilitates information transfer by informal communication. Allen
suggests a strategy of intermediating
by seeking out "gatekeepers" in organizations or companies and aim at deliver
information to these people in particular.
Literature:
Allen, T. J. & Cohen, S. I. (1969). Information flow in research
and development laboratories. Administrative Science Quarterly, 14(1),
12-19.
Allen, T. J. (1977). Managing the flow of technology ; technology transfer and the
dissemination of technological information within the R&D organization.
Cambridge, Massachusetts.: MIT Press.
Persson, O. (1981). Critical Comments on the Gatekeeper Concept in Science and
Technology. R & D Management, 11(1), 37-40.
Taylor, R. L. (1975). Technological Gatekeeper. R & D Management, 5(3),
239-242.
Tushman, M. L. & Katz, R. (1980). External Communication and Project Performance - An
Investigation into the Role of Gatekeepers. Management Science, 26
(11), 1071-1085.
Wilkin, A. (1974). Some Comments on Information Broker and Technological Gatekeeper. ASLIB Proceedings, 26(12), 477-482.
See also: Informal communication
Birger Hjørland
Last edited: 24-01-2006