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Purpose This research was aimed at studying the evolution and roles of the Israeli physicians' professional social network as perceived by the members of the network. Methodology The research examined a case study of RAMBAM/KEHILA professional networks, applying both qualitative and quantitative methods for establishing a grounded theory. Findings Physicians want to be part of their professional community and consider the network as a place where the “wisdom of the crowd” exists. They seek approval for their initial line of reasoning regarding their clinical cases but will consider other approaches if such are suggested by persons of professional repute or if answers are based on evidence-based medicine. The evolved network constitutes an a-political space which has gained the trust of the community and enables physicians of various ranks to share experiences and thoughts. Moreover, the network fosters learning opportunities and the network dynamics have impact on physicians' professional development. Discussion This unique ten-year longitudinal research examined the evolution of a professional social network. The research findings have practical and social implications. Practically, the study shows the values of professional network as an instrument for clinicians' lifelong learning and professional development. Socially, the study presents the professional network social role in facilitating social interactions when the network participants are involved in determining its roles and gain trust by avoiding any political or commercial interference.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the role of physicians’ professional networks in decision-making processes. Methods A professional network was examined in three stages: content analysis and categorization of discussions concerning decision-making processes, in-depth interviews, and a questionnaire. Results The RAMBAM network has professional as well as social roles. On a professional level, physicians seek approval of their initial line of reasoning regarding their clinical cases, but will consider other approaches if such are suggested by persons of professional repute or if answers are based on evidence-based medicine and include referral to a relevant source. On a social level, physicians want to be part of their professional community and share information and experiences. Conclusion Physicians’ professional networks have a social role that is expressed by a feeling of belonging to a community, as well as a professional role of capturing and disseminating medical knowledge during physicians’ decision-making processes. Professional networks constitute a unique source of tacit knowledge that extends existing formal knowledge resources. Practice implications The study can increase physicians’ awareness of professional networks as a unique source of tacit knowledge and can assist in the future design of medical professional networks as knowledge resources for medical decision making.

While the role of knowledge management (KM) for decision support is well acknowledged, there is a gap between existing KM theory and actual KM practice in real-life decision-making. This paper aims to illustrate this gap by studying the report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, focusing on diagnosed pre-explosion problems in decision-making processes, and prescribed post-explosion recommendations. The paper's research contribution is two-fold: 1) consolidating two KM frameworks to one research tool, to serve as lens for studying decision-making processes and 2) providing convincing evidence regarding the role of the KM perspective in organizational decision-making processes.