Knowledge Sharing in Organizations ch9

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason international data indicates that knowledge workers lose time searching for information?

They spend too much time evaluating information sources.

They have no training in information literacy.

They find the information they seek over 50% of the time.

They often seek information that is hard to access. (correct)

Which of the following best defines 'information literacy'?

A set of skills to communicate effectively.

The ability to memorize facts and data.

A technique for managing time effectively in information searches.

The ability to recognize when information is required and effectively find and use that information. (correct)

According to research, what is the least preferred source of information for knowledge workers in organizations with developed knowledge management systems?

People

Professional networks

Company knowledge bases (correct)

Web resources

What percentage of knowledge workers' time is estimated to be spent searching for information?

15 to 35% Signup and view all the answers

What estimated annual loss do organizations with 1000 knowledge workers incur due to time spent searching for information?

$6 million Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a community of practice?

Members share a common identity and interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to knowledge management emphasizes knowledge-sharing interactions?

People or interaction-based approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of social constructivism regarding knowledge?

Knowledge is produced through shared understandings. Signup and view all the answers

What does social network analysis (SNA) enable in the context of knowledge management?

Identification of knowledge flows between individuals. Signup and view all the answers

In a community of practice, which aspect is NOT a defining feature?

Strict adherence to formal policies. Signup and view all the answers

How do knowledge workers typically spend a significant portion of their time?

Looking for information and assisting colleagues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the term 'practice' in community of practice?

Knowledge as it is applied in daily work. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the information-based approach to knowledge management?

It values explicit knowledge over tacit knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Knowledge needs to be shared and disseminated throughout an organization once captured.
The advent of personal computers and the internet led to the assumption that all web users are good researchers.
Unfortunately, this assumption isn't accurate; no training or "information literacy" is often provided.
"Information literacy" is a set of abilities to recognize when information is needed and effectively locate, evaluate, and use it.
Knowledge workers spend 15-35% of their time searching, often unsuccessfully (less than 50% success rate).
This means explicit knowledge ("easy" to find info) is no different from tacit knowledge ("harder" to find); both are difficult to locate.
Organizations lose significant amounts of money ($6 million per 1000 knowledge workers annually) from time spent searching for information.
In 2000, a survey of 40 managers at large accounting firms found that people were the primary source of information for problem-solving and decision-making (85% turned to people).
The knowledge base was only the 4th most preferred source of information (12% of respondents).

Community of Practice

A community of practice is a group of people with common identity and professional interests who share, participate, and build a fellowship.
It's also a group of people with shared resources, dynamic relationships, and shared knowledge to improve learning and shared value.
Communities of practice are not limited by geography, business units, or functions, but rather by common contexts, tasks, and interests.
The word "practice" implies knowledge in action (how people perform daily jobs) rather than formal policies and procedures .

Two Basic Orientations to KM

The information-based orientation to KM emphasizes explicit knowledge and externalization.
Learners are viewed as "blank slates," where information is poured into them.
The people/interaction-based orientation focuses on knowledge-sharing interactions.
Today's organizations often associate these interactions with communities of practice.

Social constructivism views knowledge as subjective, not an objective entity.
Knowledge is created through shared understandings developed from social interactions.
Individuals and groups mutually influence each other's views and shape shared realities.

Social Network Analysis (SNA) maps and measures relationships between people, groups, organizations, computers, and other knowledge-processing entities (e.g. information).
In knowledge management, SNA helps identify knowledge flows.
It answers questions like: who seeks knowledge from whom?, and who shares knowledge with whom?
It contrasts with formal organizational charts.

Internet communities (like ARPANET) were early forms of knowledge-sharing designed for researchers to share large data files.
Knowledge-sharing networks arise because people need to collaborate on common goals; mutual assistance, help, and reciprocity are important.
The organization is not top-down by design, but it regulates and self-organizes. There is no central figure, and if a member is only interested in themselves, the network will likely recognize this.

Conclusion

Communities of Practice (CoPs) are critical for knowledge search and contributions in today's knowledge-based economy.

Homework

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Description

Explore the importance of knowledge sharing and information literacy within organizations. This quiz discusses the challenges knowledge workers face in locating and utilizing information efficiently, highlighting the economic impact of inefficiencies in knowledge management. Test your understanding of how communities of practice can enhance knowledge dissemination.