Parliamentary Organisation, History and Knowledge

This study elucidates how the historical and organisational evolution of parliamentary staff is related to the establishment and development of organisational knowledge resources within parliamentary institutions. The use of parliamentary staff reflects an effort to acquire institutional expertise, knowledge and professionalism in the legislative branch to counterbalance a perceived advantage within executive agencies. Parliamentary staff contribute to constructing organisational memory and knowledge, by shaping and sharing knowledge resources that support legislative processes. Parliamentary staff preserve continuity, institutional memory, and expertise. The rise of expertise and knowledge within parliamentary staff is related to the increasing organisational complexity over time of parliamentary administrations that enables parliamentary staff to develop knowledge capabilities assets that contribute to fostering the effectiveness and decision-making capacity of parliamentary bodies. The organisational and professional development of parliamentary staff helps improve knowledge capabilities and expertise, supporting parliaments in exerting influence on policy making.