Communication tools as drivers of employees’ knowledge sharing

What is it about?

For many organizations, knowledge sharing is essential to keep their competitive ability. As characteristics of available communication media might influence knowledge flows in the organization, this study examines if the frequency of some communication media usage and their perceived usefulness relate to the extent of knowledge sharing. The study applied a quantitative research design and used opinion-based questionnaires. In total, 178 participants from the Czech Republic were involved, mainly from manufacturing industry. Significant positive correlations between “how often employees use the defined instruments for gathering and communicating information in work” and “how useful employees find the defined instruments for gathering and communicating information in work” to “the extent of knowledge sharing in the organization” were identified. Additionally, the frequency of the use of communication media predicted the extent of knowledge sharing in the organization. Specifically, the frequency of the use of meetings significantly predicted the extent of knowledge sharing (β = .54, p < .001). Moreover, perceived usefulness of communication media projected the frequency of the use of communication media.

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Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Although there are numerous studies dealing with the connection between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the frequency of KS, or describing how to effectively use particular tools such as mentoring, storytelling, and communities of practice, only a small number of studies examine media used for KS in a complex way. Additionally, there is a question which media are useful for KS according to employees. The findings confirm that if employees see the offered communication tools as being useful, they are willing to use them more often, and it has a positive effect on the extent of knowledge sharing. Therefore, the design of communication tools should take into account the needs and requirements of the workforce who will use it. Additionally, organizations should organize effective meetings if they want to enhance knowledge sharing in the organization.

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