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Knowledge Sharing
“The effective management of tacit knowledge – the unwritten memory of the firm – is essential to the success of modern firms. Tacit knowledge is not readily captured or stored by information technology systems. Increasing investment in information technology will not translate into better transfer and use or tacit knowledge because individuals decide whether they will share tacit knowledge and individuals decide whether they will use tacit knowledge.[1]

The key question is, when will an individual be open to sharing or receiving tacit knowledge? (This ties into a previous blog : The tacit knowledge predicament)

In the publication from R. Pieper from the year 2000. Yes, 24 years ago, he mentions "e-MENTALITY". 

Translated from Dutch :

"The relationship network is based on the elements of trust, flexibility, and openness. Together, they form the e-Mentality. Those who possess it in abundance will fully enjoy the information society." [2]

Now that you have read the above quote, it feels as if you already knew this but had not really thought about it. Pieper also mentions time as a factor for knowledge sharing between individuals. 

In conclusion: 

Information technology, such as Document Management Systems, shared repositories, wikis, LLMs, etc., is a source of information and does support tacit knowledge sharing to an extent. Before complete knowledge sharing can happen, trust, flexibility, openness, and time are required between individuals. Knowledge Management begins with People. 

Question:

Would you say the KM community fosters open knowledge sharing, or does it tend to operate in silos?

Please add your comment in the LinkedIn post.

[1] Trust and tacit knowledge sharing and use

      Holste, J Scott; Fields, Dail.  Journal of Knowledge Management; Kempston Vol. 14, Iss. 1, (2010): 135

[2] e-Wereld: de ingredienten van de netwerkmaatschappij

      R. Pieper

      Original language Dutch

      Place of Publication Amsterdam

      Publisher Kopperlith & Co.

      Number of pages 60

      ISBN (Print) 90-254-1130-4

      Publication status Published - 20 Feb 2000