Strategic Knowledge Sharing for Improved Public Service Delivery: Managing an Innovative Culture for Effective Partnerships

Abstract

This chapter considers inter-organizational knowledge sharing in the delivery of public services. While public services represent a significant economic sector in most countries, there is little published research of its implementation of knowledge sharing to improve service performance. The chapter highlights potential barriers to effective knowledge sharing in public service partnerships and introduces a second-order regression model to guide managers in their development of an effective knowledge sharing environment. Based on research incorporating participant observation, document analysis, 30 interviews and a survey (n=132), the chapter identifies six antecedent factors to effective knowledge sharing, the most significant of which is an innovative culture.