Preface
The papers in this book were presented at a conference titled "Shared Cognition in
Organizations: The Management of Knowledge", held at the J. L. Allen Center at
Northwestern University in November of 1996. The conference was designed to bring together
behavioral scientists who were interested in the creation, conservation, distribution, and
protection of knowledge in organizations.
The Dispute Resolution Research Center and Dean Donald Jacobs of the J. L. Kellogg
Graduate School of Management (of Northwestern University) were the co-sponsors of this
event. We are grateful for their support on this project and the subsequent development of
this book. Assistance with the coordination of the conference and preparation of this
volume was provided initially by Claire Buisseret, whose management and organizational
skills proved invaluable. Subsequent administrative and editing assistance was provided by
Katie Shonk and Rachel Claff. Rachel Claff is the person who is truly responsible for
bringing this book to fruition. We are deeply indebted to her for organizing the review
process, editing the manuscripts, and putting all of the pieces together.
Leigh L. Thompson
John M. Levine
David M. Messick
