Knowledge Sharing Initiatives in Software Companies: A Mapping Study

Knowledge Sharing Initiatives in Software Companies: A Mapping Study

Shanmuganathan Vasanthapriyan
Copyright: © 2019 |Pages: 25
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-9448-2.ch004
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Abstract

This mapping study aims to investigate knowledge sharing initiatives in software companies based on existing studies from 2005 to 2017. Initially, search string was applied in seven digital repositories. Snowballing and direct search on publications were conducted to reduce the limitation of accessing specific databases. Regarding 15 selected studies, a variety of aspects; publication year and source, research type, purpose, and types of knowledge been used; were concerned. According to findings, a majority of studies have been focused on factors affecting knowledge sharing and point out organizational commitment as the most undergoing influencer on knowledge sharing. Findings further prove criticality of knowledge sharing for sustainability of software companies. Contrary to that, findings provide convincing evidence on improper knowledge sharing systems as the highly referred problem associated with knowledge sharing in software companies and provide new directions to future research.
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Background

Knowledge Sharing

Knowledge sharing could be identified as a process between units, teams and organizations where people exchange their knowledge with others (Andreasian and Andreasian, 2013; Anthony, 2013). Knowledge sharing starts at the individual level, since every person has tacit and explicit knowledge to share with others. Sharing tacit knowledge is more challenging as it cannot be easily expressed (Kharabsheh et al., 2016). Previous literature (Lin, 2006; Yi, 2009) view knowledge sharing as an organizational innovation, which supports dissemination of innovative ideas to improve business processes and new business opportunities. But this costs money, time and energy which are limited resources (Block, 2012).

Knowledge Sharing in Software Companies

Software industry is much younger and knowledge intensive industry. (Kukko and Helander, 2012). It creates a lack in well-structured knowledge sharing processes in software industry. In software companies, independent, competent and creative people with a high level professional knowledge shape the business and knowledge and innovativeness are critical to stay competitive and growth (Kukko, 2013). Hence, knowledge sharing is a cornerstone for software companies for their growth and sustainability. It can be seen that many issues are arisen in knowledge sharing domain in software companies due to inefficient knowledge sharing (Ranasinghe and Jayawardana, 2011; Kharabsheh et al., 2016). If there is not available a proper knowledge sharing process, employees would proceed with the knowledge that they already have or with the knowledge that is most easily available. Even that knowledge is accurate and of good quality, sometimes it may not be good enough to achieve the success of the projects or the sustainability of today’s market (Zammit et al., 2016).

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