Title: Understanding the nature of knowledge: an empirical study of knowledge sharing in a knowledge intensive organisation

Authors: Stefania Mariano

Addresses: New York Institute of Technology, School of Management, Adliya Campus 851, Road 3828, Block 338, P.O. Box 11287 Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract: This paper contributes to knowledge sharing theory and provides a practical approach for managing organisational knowledge. This research study investigates the impact of knowledge on knowledge sharing and defines a framework to manage individuals and organisational knowledge to improve performance. Qualitative methods such as individual semi-structured interviews, on-site observations, and document analysis are used to collect data from a US knowledge intensive organisation. Data analysis is organised through Atlas.ti®, a qualitative analysis software package. Selection, deviation, re-alignment, and conformity emerged as critical aspects of knowledge sharing. This study pointed out the nature of knowledge, highlighted impediments to the knowledge sharing process, and suggested strategies to improve the overall organisational effectiveness. Implications for theory and practise, limitations connected to empirical generalisability, and suggestions for future research are also discussed.

Keywords: organisational knowledge; knowledge sharing; selection; deviation; re-alignment; conformity; qualitative analysis; USA; United States; knowledge intensive organisations; knowledge management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2013.052908

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2013 Vol.10 No.2, pp.151 - 164

Published online: 29 Jan 2014 *

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