Knowledge Entrainment in Large-scale Transformation Projects: The Evidence-based Strategy and the Innovation-based Strategy

Prior research has indicated that knowledge integration is essential for succeeding with large-scale transformation (LST) projects. However, research has largely ignored the processual properties of knowledge integration. This article embarks on the notion of knowledge entrainment and demonstrates the criticality of the processual nature of knowledge integration. Through a comparative qualitative case study of two LST projects in the healthcare sector, two knowledge entrainment strategies were identified (the evidence-based strategy and the innovation-based strategy). Data analysis uncovered triggers, practices, and outcomes of the two knowledge entrainment strategies. Additionally, the central role of temporary project management offices (PMOs) for arranging knowledge entrainment within the LST projects is demonstrated.