Determinants Of Knowledge Sharing In A Public Sector Organization Essay.

Title:

(1 point)

 Determinants of knowledge sharing in a public sector organization

As the title suggests, the focus of this paper is on the factors that influences the process of sharing of knowledge within a public sector organization.

Author(s):

(1 point)

Angela Titi Amayah

She is currently based at the SUNY Empire State College, Rochester, New York, USA.

Source:

(1 point)

Page 454, Journal Of Knowledge Management, Volume Number: 17, No. 3 2013.

Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1367-3270

DOI: 10.1108/JKM-11-2012-0369

Purpose:

(6 points)

1. Understanding factors that influence knowledge sharing

2. Increase research in the topic of knowledge sharing within public sector organizations

3. Adding to the literature and knowledge on the topic

4. Improving knowledge sharing process

5. Identifying factors that negatively influence knowledge sharing

6. Extending literature regarding factors the influence informal sharing of knowledge

Audience:

(6 points)

1. Public Sector employees

2. Public Sector Administrators

3. Public Sector Managers

4. Human Resources

5. Educators

6. Management Students

7. Organizational Leaders

8. Policy Makers

Subject:

(6 points)

The study investigates the different factors which influences the process of sharing of knowledge. The author performed a quantitative research with the data being collected using questionnaires and data analysis was done using multiple regressions. The subject being the factors influencing knowledge sharing. It also studies the role of social interactions in knowledge sharing.

Sources:

(6 points)

1. Interview Questionnaire

2. Academic Literature

· Kim and Lee (2006)

· Chiu et al. (2006)

· Levin et al. (2002)

· Janz and Prasarnphanich (2003)

· Za´rraga and Bonache (2003)

· Kim and Lee (2006)

Thesis:

(6 points)

A number of thesis statements were asked by the author:

1. What are the factors that influence knowledge sharing

2. What are the factors that negatively influence knowledge sharing

3. How can Private Sector Organizations improve their knowledge sharing process

4. How can the knowledge improve current literature

5. How organization can be improved using the knowledge

6. Can a model of knowledge sharing be developed

Evidence:

(6 points) 

The evidence from primary data included

1. .Community-related considerations

2. Personal Beliefs

3. Normative Considerations

4. Social Interaction

5. Rewards

6. Organizational Support

These were the key aspects that were identified from the questionnaires.

Evidence from literature was also used to support the hypothesis and research findings.

Limits:

(6 points)

1. Study done on a single organization

2. Limited generalizability of the findings of study

3. Differences in attitudes about knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behaviors across various cultures.

4. Self  reported data

5. Probability of response bias

6. Diversity in the organizational forms across various organizations in the public sector, thus having different methods of knowledge sharing process.

Point of View:

(6 points)

The main aspects pointed out by the author were:

1. Organizational support, rewards and social interaction enabled effective knowledge sharing

2. Degree or courage and empathy challenged the process

3. Interaction of these factors led to a moderating effect on knowledge sharing

4. Community based consideration moderated the process

5. Personal benefits supported the process

6. Organizational climate vital for the process

Concepts/Words:

(6 points)

1. .Community Related Considerations (including the attitudes, beliefs and values)

2. Personal Beliefs (which influences behaviors)

3. Normative Considerations (that supports social norms)

4. Degree of courage and empathy (that challenge knowledge sharing process)

5. Organizational climate (which is necessary for effective knowledge sharing)

6. Social Interaction

Use of Evidence:

(6 points)

The author used evidences very effectively. The research literature was all relevant. All the studies were within the last 10 years. The evidences were used systematically to support the ideas. Effective data analysis strategy was used for proper interpretation. However, the data had limited generalizability and was subjected to report bias.

Conclusion:

(6 points)

1. Community related considerations a strong predictor for knowledge sharing

2. Developing a sense of community among co workers is important

3. Facilitating knowledge management can help to develop community practice

4. This knowledge can be used to develop knowledge sharing process

5. Employee performance improves with employee engagement

6. Further studies are needed on how community practice can help knowledge management and employee engagement.

Implications:

(6 points)

1. The knowledge can help practitioners to understand factors that influence knowledge sharing

2. Can be used in organizations to help the growth of new employees by learning from experienced employees

3. This can help to develop strategies for effective knowledge sharing

4. The knowledge can help in better management of knowledge

5. This can also increase the research done on the topic

6. Also help to increase the literature on the subject

Personal Reaction:

(5 points)

I was quite impressed with the depth of information shared in the study. The author was able to explain everything in a simple manner and supported her findings from interview questionnaire using the literature. I felt the study was comprehensive and meaningful. However, I was disappointed on the fact that only data from a single organization was used.

Strength of Case:

(5 points)

The main strengths of the case are:

1. Strong research methodology

2. Strong data analysis strategy

3. Comprehensive questionnaire

4. Relevant use of literature

5. Usage of recent literature

6. Comprehensive explanation of concepts.

These factors ensured that the study to be a strong source of literature and thus adding to the knowledge on the topic which can help both managers as well as students.

Evaluation:

(5 points)

Evaluation of the structure of the article showed strong arrangement of concepts and effective flow of logic. The data evaluation was strong and conclusive. The language use was effective and understandable as well as unambiguous. The quality of the literature study was very good and provides an authentic and verifiable source of information.

Quality:

(5 points)

The overall quality of the study was very good, with a rich quality of literature based information which was effectively arranged. The logical flow of discussion also added to the quality of the study. Additionally, the quality of the data was also supported through strong evidences. However one particular aspect where the quality deteriorated was due to the use of a single source of information in the interview.

Other:

(5 points)

Several other aspects could also be found in the study:

1. The result of the study can be used to improve knowledge sharing

2. Similar studies can also be done on other organizations in public sector

3. The methodology of the study can be highly useful

4. The study can be very useful in organizational development and knowledge management

5. The literature can help students to learn better

6. This can also help to develop better organizational policies.

Title:

(1 point)

Fostering knowledge sharing behavior among public sector managers: a proposed model for the Malaysia public service

Author(s):

(1 point)

Gangeswari Tangaraja (Public Service Officer), Roziah Mohd Rasdi (Senior Lecturer), Maimunah Ismail (Professor) and Bahaman Abu Samah (Professor).All are based at Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.

Source:

(1 point)

VOL. 19 NO. 1 2015, pp. 121-140, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1367-3270 JOURNAL OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Page 121

DOI 10.1108/JKM-11-2014-0449

Purpose:

(6 points)

1. Defining knowledge sharing and developing its conceptual understanding

2. Developing an understanding of knowledge sharing behavior

3. Understanding the directionality of knowledge sharing process

4. Understanding the underlying factors of knowledge sharing

5. Proposing a conceptual model of knowledge sharing

6. Increasing the understanding of the topic

Audience:

(6 points)

The study is aimed at various audiences such as:

1. Management students

2. Organizational leaders

3. Educators

4. Human Resources

5. Organizational employees

6. Managers

Subject:

(6 points)

The subject of the study is the process of knowledge sharing among Malaysian public service employees. The author attempts to develop an understanding about knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behavior and the dynamics of the process. Using evidences from literature, the author was able to develop a conceptual model.

Sources:

(6 points)

Several sources of information was used for the literature review, the sources includes:

1. Yi (2009, p. 68)

2. Van den Hooff and de Ridder (2004, p. 118)

3. Chennamaneni (2006,p. 30)

4. Phang and Foong (2010)

5. Tohidinia and Mosakhani (2010)

6. Suppiah and Sandhu (2011464)

The academic literature was searched through:

1. Ebscohost,

2. SAGE,

3. Emerald,

4. JSTOR

5. IGI Publishing

6. Proquest.

Thesis:

(6 points)

Knowledge sharing has several advantages for an organization.  It helps in better innovation and development of capacity. It can improve the performance of task and help in the development of knowledge. Through sharing of knowledge between employees trust can develop, which additionally can improve team cohesion and team work. Thus understanding how knowledge sharing works and developing a conceptual framework are of strategic significance.

Evidence:

(6 points)

Evidence has been used from literature. Evidences for the predictors of knowledge sharing behavior included:

1. Self efficacy of knowledge

2. A sense of enjoyment while assisting others

3. :Individual predispositions of people in their responses to sharing of knowledge

4. Need for reciprocity for sharing knowledge

5. Need for trust

6. Importance of a social network

Limits:

(6 points)

The research paper primarily relies on qualitative review of literature to identify the predictors of the studied behavior. Due to this the study did not contribute to any new literature. The research was also done on a short span of time which affected the scope of the study.

Point of View:

(6 points)

In the study, the author’s point of view is that knowledge sharing is an important behavior that helps not in the development of knowledge and competency, but also helps in the growth of the organization and better cohesion within the team as well as development of social capital.

Concepts/Words:

(6 points)

.The important concepts or words that have been used in the study includes:

1. Knowledge Management

2. Knowledge Sharing

3. Social Capital

4. Self Efficacy

5. Individuals predisposition to respond to motives (PSM)

6. Reciprocity

Use of Evidence:

(6 points)

The authors had a good use of evidence from literature. The evidences from the study were appropriate and supported the hypothesis of the authors. The studies were all within the last 10 years of the study. The evidences presented were also generalizable and can be used on a wider context.

Conclusion:

(6 points)

The authors made the following conclusions from their study:

1. Knowledge self efficacy supports knowledge sharing behavior

2. Enjoyment in helping others supports the knowledge sharing behavior

3. Reciprocity supports knowledge sharing behavior

4. Trust supports knowledge sharing behavior

5. Social Networks supports knowledge sharing behavior

6. Normative organizational commitment supports sharing of knowledge behavior.

Implications:

(6 points)

The implications of the study is that it can help the organizational managers to implement effective strategies and maintain an organizational environment which fosters effective sharing of knowledge and supports knowledge sharing behavior among employees. The study can moreover used to develop a conceptual model of knowledge sharing which can be used to develop organizational performance.

Personal Reaction:

(5 points)

I found the journal article highly educative. Even though the paper only focused on studies done before without adding new information. But it was able to address several gaps in the knowledge, such as the role of trust, enjoyment or social networks on the knowledge sharing behavior of individuals.

Strength of Case:

(5 points)

The strength of the case lied in the following aspects:

1. All the studies were relevant

2. The research was done on recent studies

3. The findings can be generalized to fit a wider context

4. The themes identified from literature could be widely supported

5. Efficient qualitative analysis

Evaluation:

(5 points)

The study was done very well and the authors performed a comprehensive research to identify significant research papers. I found the quality of the data to be very good and significant, and the structure of the study was very effective. Overall I feel the study helped in better understanding of the topic.

Quality:

(5 points)

Quality wise the article is quite elegant in its strategy. It utilizes the literature review in an efficient manner and structures the argument effectively supported by the evidences from various literature. Arranging the article by the themes and outlining the theoretical underpinnings also helped to improve the quality of the article.

Other:

(5 points)

Other factors that can be attributed to the article are:

1. It can be used in other contexts to develop conceptual frameworks of other scenarios

2. It can be used to develop knowledge sharing behavior in any organization

3. Educators can also use it to teach students

4. Students can use it in study groups

5. It can help in the soared of knowledge

6. Can help in social cohesion.