An overview on leveraging social media technology for uncovering tacit knowledge sharing in an organizational context

Over the years, businesses have transformed from the traditional manufacturing-oriented to service-oriented. Along with this, tacit knowledge has become more crucial as organizations move toward innovation and service orientation. In summary, the knowledge of an organization's workforce is tacit knowledge related to their belief and expertise, which can be difficult to define, given its inexpressible characteristics. The practice of knowledge management is often associated with the use of information systems and the effort to codify, share and create knowledge using relevant knowledge management systems. Although social media is widely adopted by organizations to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge sharing practices, there is still a large amount of uncertainty on whether information systems act as an environment for the sharing of tacit knowledge. The purpose of this study is to understand the significant role of social media in offering tacit knowledge. Wiki, because of its collaborative and conversational bases, was chosen as an example of a social media and the methodology undertaken in this study is literature review. This study contributes to a discussion on the increasingly important role of social media in the dissemination of tacit knowledge in an organizational context

Tacit knowledge externalization among geographically distributed small groups

University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Information Technology.Currently, organizations are shifting their activities and processes from information-based to knowledge-based as a result of the emergence of organizational knowledge as the main, if not the only, competitive advantage between rival organizations. Accordingly, the management of what an organization knows and the activities of knowledge externalization, which incorporates creation, articulation, capture, transformation, nurture, and retention, as well as knowledge measurement has become a field of serious research. Two main obstacles have emerged as a result. One is associated with the definition of knowledge, and the second is whether in fact knowledge in general and tacit knowledge in particular can be managed, externalized and measured. The literature does not provide a universal knowledge definition. Accordingly, knowledge is defined contextually by both researchers and organizations. As a result, researchers and organizations work to manage knowledge, externalize it and measure it dependent on how they define it or on available definitions. Fortunately, the majority of researchers agree that knowledge is a duality, namely, tacit and explicit, and that its management should encompass both. Explicit knowledge management proved to be easy and successful because of its information-like nature and also because it could be implemented using existing information-based concepts and tools. In contrast, work on managing tacit knowledge proved to be difficult and unsuccessful because of the illusive nature of this type of knowledge, and because its capture and transformation in its entirety is extremely difficult, if not impossible. In addition, the majority of the literary work on knowledge externalization and measurement is associated with face-to-face interactions between individuals. Similar work which addresses the externalization and measurement of tacit knowledge among geographically distributed individuals is very limited if not non-existent. This dissertation identifies the difficulties associated with managing tacit knowledge in its entirety among distributed individuals and proposes its categorization into types/kinds as a solution for its effective externalization and measurement. The categorization process implies the identification of those types or kinds of tacit knowledge which could be externalized and measured easier than others. This is in line with most researchers' beliefs; that there are parts of tacit knowledge which cannot be externalized and measured, such as intuitions, feelings, instincts, expertise and such. The parts which can be externalized and measured based on observations, learning, and experimentation are expertise, know-how and the like; while the parts which can be externalized and measured if articulated and nurtured are opinions, ideas and similar The thesis, drawing upon Hevner's design theory, develops an artifact for the effective capture and transformation of categorized types of tacit knowledge among distributed small groups. It proposes opinions and ideas as types of tacit knowledge which can easily be externalized and measured among distributed individuals. It introduces concepts regarding how to nurture articulated opinions and ideas among such individuals. It also proposes an externalization process, as an amendment of Nonaka and Takeouchi's 1995 face-to-face process, which identifies the stages of the externalization of the types in distributed environments. The dissertation is organized into two main tasks. Firstly, an elaborate literature review, which paves the ground for the introduced methodology, is undertaken. Secondly, an experiment was conducted on small groups of students who used a developed example tool for their distributed cooperation and opinions and ideas externalization. The dissertation's methodology identifies four essential steps for the externalization and measurement of tacit knowledge. The experiment, which was based on Sarker's (2004) experimental guidelines, encompasses the use of a developed example tool by the students

Cluster Development and Knowledge Exchange in Supply Chain

Industry cluster and supply chain are in focus of every countries which rely on knowledge-based economy. Both focus on improving the competitiveness of firm in the industry in the different aspect. This paper tries to illustrate how the industry cluster can increase the supply chain performance. Then, the proposed methodology concentrates on the collaboration and knowledge exchange in supply chain. For improving the capability of the proposed methodology, information technology is applied to facilitate the communication and the exchange of knowledge between the actors of the supply chain within the cluster. The supply chain of French stool producer was used as a case study to validate the methodology and to demonstrate the result of the study

Using cartography to sustain inter-generation knowledge transfer : the M3C methodology

Knowledge transfer problem between two generations of professionals (usually from the old one to the new one) to a new dimension. Knowledge transfer is no longer reducible to classical solutions as face to face training, technical education, tutoring. Knowledge to transfer is professional knowledge (Business Knowledge). It involves the whole Knowledge Capital within an organization. Identify the knowledge components that are worthwhile to transfer is not an easy task. This is the problem addressed in this paperKnowledge management, Knowledge transfer

Critical knowledge map as a decision tool for knowledge transfer actions

Knowledge transfer is no longer reducible to classical solutions such as face-to-face training, technical education or tutoring. Knowledge to be transferred is professional knowledge (Business Knowledge). It involves the whole Knowledge Capital within an organization. Identifying the knowledge components that are worthwhile transferring is not an easy task. This is the problem addressed in this paper.Knowledge transfer, Knowledge Management, Knowledge mapping, Knowledge capitalization

Vocational training and knowledge development:a deeper understanding

Construction management research literature has identified the importance of understanding the practical realities of skills and training provision and the role of reflective practice in the development of knowledge. This paper examines vocational training of experienced site staff in the development of their knowledge through SVQ training to investigate the primary factors for successful learning in site-based construction staff with a supervisory/management role. Using semi-structured interviews the impact of vocational training on individual candidates and other sitebased staff are investigated. The paper explores, through the reflections of 26 SVQ candidates (20 SVQ3 and 6 SVQ4), a deeper understanding of how site supervisors and site managers learn through the SVQ process and develop tacit knowledge through formal reflection. Reflective practice develops practical wisdom (Phronesis). The investigation explains aspects of practical wisdom and how knowledge, practice and skills are developed through vocational training. There is a clear perception by those completing the qualification that it has enabled them to perform their job better identifying numerous examples relating to problem solving, critical thinking, making decisions and leadership. It has been found that Phronesis is evident on a day-to-day basis on site activities developed through reflective practice in personal development. The reflective practice in developing knowledge also builds, within individuals, a better understanding of themselves and their capabilities through the learning achieved in the SVQ. Future work is identified around analysing the role of the assessor in facilitating Phronesis in the SVQ context

Problem-formulation in a South African organization. Executive summary

Complex Problem Solving is an area of cognitive science that has received a good amount of attention, but theories in the field have not progressed accordingly. In general, research of problem solving has focussed on identifying preferable methods rather than on what happens when human beings confront problems in an organizational context Queseda, Kirtsch and Gomez (2005) Existing literature recognises that most organizational problems are ill-defined. Some problems can become well-defined whereas others are and remain ill-structured. For problems that can become well-defined, failure to pay attention to the area of problem definition has the potential to jeopardise the effectiveness of problem-formulation and thus the entire problem solving activity. Problem defining, a fundamental part of the problem-formulation process, is seen as the best defence against a Type III Error (trying to solve the wrong problem). Existing literature addresses possible processes for problem-formulation and recognises the importance of applying problem domain knowledge within them. However, inadequate attention is given to the possible circumstances that, within an organization, the participants do not know enough about the problem domain and do not recognise the importance of applying adequate problem domain knowledge or experience to the problem-formulation process. A case study is conducted into exactly these circumstances as they occurred and were successfully addressed within Eskom Holdings Ltd (Eskom), the national electricity utility in South Africa. The case study is a fundamental part of this research project, which explores the gap in the existing body of knowledge related to the circumstances described above and specifically to problems that can become well-defined, and provides the basis for the innovation developed herein that addresses that gap

nD modelling: Industry uptake considerations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key enablers and obstacles to the effective adoption and use of nD modelling technology. Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores the feasibility of industry absorbing and diffusing nD modelling technology by considering key technology transfer issues; namely, organisational direction, inter-organisational networks and the knowledge characteristics of technology. Findings from semi-structured interviews around a diagnostic technology transfer framework are used to offer implications for theory and practice. Findings – The results from 15 survey interviews indicate that construction professionals appreciate the potential significant benefits of nD modelling technology, but at present, nD modelling technology is seen as too embryonic; too far removed from construction firms' “comfort zones”; requiring too much investment; and, containing too many risks. Originality/value – The paper stresses that the challenge for nD modelling technology, along with any new technology, is to shift from its “technology push” emphasis, to a more balanced “market orientated” stance, which allows the technology to be shaped by both strategic design concerns, and day-to-day operational needs. If this trajectory is pursued, nD modelling technology could have a positive future