Companies can benefit greatly from all the knowledge and experience accrued by their employees over their working years.
Knowledge is a strategic asset that can offer a significant competitive advantage against competitors.
There are many benefits of knowledge sharing, but there are also barriers to this practice.
Understanding the barriers that make the sharing and transfer of knowledge difficult is the key role in identifying potential solutions.
There are two main barriers, the first being external barriers and the second being internal barriers.
External barriers include all obstacles that inhibit the transfer of knowledge across the organisation, while internal barriers focus on the obstacles that make knowledge sharing between members of the team difficult.
External barriers are harder to identify, because it could be caused by a variety of obstacles.
For example, communications tools (email, instant messaging, video and web conferencing and other forms of electronic media) could impose technological barriers which obstruct work routines and communication flows when they are not compatible or just unable to integrate into existing systems.
Implementing a standardised network of communication will eliminate the confusion between the tools necessary and improve knowledge sharing.
Internal barriers are easier to identify and manage, as it usually concerns relationships between colleagues.
Knowledge sharing ultimately relies on each individual being willing to share what they know, which impacts the organisation.
Fostering a strong sense of trust among work colleagues will have a significant impact on knowledge sharing behaviours.
When people are willing to trust others, they will be more confident in seeking and applying knowledge received from their peers.
