Katja Maria Hydle, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS), Oslo Science Park, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway, Tel. +47 93 00 58 48, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Kjersti Vikse Meland, Senior Research Scientist, Polytec, Sørhauggata 128, 5527 Haugesund, Norway, Tel. +47 909 81 036. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Abstract

This paper focuses on the practices between parent and child firms in corporate spinoffs. We uncover the enacted aspects of knowledge, called knowing, through theories from seven cases of incumbent-backed spin-offs and find that the management of the parent firms are highly involved in the spin-offs. The practices associated with spinning off are solving problems, involving multidisciplinary expertise and entrepreneuring management at the parent firm. We contribute to the spin-off literature by discussing the knowledge required for successfully spinning off child firms and to practice theory by empirically uncovering the practical understanding involved in the origin and perpetuation of an organization.

Keywords: corporate spin-offs, knowing, practices, practical understanding.