Wenneker, Marieke, Martine van Selm, Paul Nelissen

Role of ICT in knowledge sharing processes in organizations

Abstract

Role of ICT in knowledge sharing processes in organizations Abstract This paper presents a theoretical model, which will be applied in an empirical study on the role of ICT in knowledge sharing processes in organizations. Although knowledge management has been a popular research topic, little attention has been paid to processes underlying knowledge sharing. It seems worthwhile to shed a light on (the role of ICT in) these processes. One reason to focus on ICT and knowledge sharing processes is ICTıs assumed ability to support these processes and the increased use of ICT in organizations. A theoretical model was constructed for studying the role of ICT in knowledge sharing processes on behalf of organizational learning. This model is based on the process of institutionalization of Berger & Luckmann (1967) which was applied in an organizational setting by Huysman & De Wit (2000). In this model we distinguish the knowledge sharing processes between the individual and the group level (externalization), the group and organizational level (objectivation) and the organizational and individual level (internalization). It is assumed that only in case knowledge conversions have taken place on all three levels organizational learning is reached. Based on earlier studies we suspect that the knowledge sharing process of objectivation is the most difficult to obtain. In our opinion ICT can contribute to all knowledge sharing processes in different ways: externalization is supported by the exchange of knowledge, objectivation by making knowledge available to the entire organization, and internalization by the provision of information to individuals.

Huysman, M. & De Wit, D. (2000). Kennis delen in de praktijk. Vergaren, uitwisselen en ontwikkelen van kennis met ICT. Assen: Van Gorcum.

Berger, P. L. & Luckmann, T. (1967). The social construction of reality. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books.