Abstract
This chapter explores the enablers and inhibitors to effective knowledge sharing practices within different contexts and fields of work. It covers the benefits of knowledge sharing and explores some of the most commonly used methods referencing the experiences within the banking and financial sector, the higher education sector, the automotive industry, and within the field of community development. Reference is also made to the experiences of knowledge sharing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter concludes by asserting that a ‘one size fits all' approach to knowledge sharing and knowledge management is not feasible, but argues that there is equally strong evidence to support the view that knowledge sharing should be a key priority for all organizations in order for them to be sustainable and relevant in the longer term.
TopBackground
This section of the chapter provides a critical review of the key literature surrounding the issue of knowledge sharing, including exploring the definitions of knowledge sharing, the potential benefits, knowledge flows, and different methods that can be used to share knowledge.
Benefits of Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is a costly and intangible resource but one which can notably increase an organization’s competitiveness in the market. Knowledge sharing plays a critical role in job performance by facilitating the efficient distribution of knowledge and increased productivity (Huie et al., 2020). Janus (2016) argues that a knowledge sharing organization views knowledge as a significant currency and values its operational experiences as opportunities for learning both internally through its employees and its external partners and stakeholders. Knowledge sharing is widely considered to represent an important component of knowledge management and a key determinant of its success (Ramjeawon & Rowley, 2017). Indeed, Nazim and Mukherjee (2016) argue that knowledge sharing is the single most important factor in the overall success of knowledge management.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Intellectual Property: Any product of human intellect that the law protects from unauthorized use by others protected as a patent, copyright or trademark.
Learning and Knowledge Products: Are an artefact of information and enables action by the reader via dissemination.
Enablers: Individual and organizational conditions which facilitate knowledge sharing.
Inhibitors: Individual and organizational conditions which prevent or hinder knowledge sharing.
Knowledge Flows: Are the outflow and inflow of knowledge inside and outside of organizations.
Knowledge Sharing: The process of transferring tacit and explicit information, knowledge and/or experience from one person to another, from one department or team to another, from one organization or industry to another, or from one region or country to another.