WEEK 1 APPLICATION 1 - Essay Example

Soo, K. (2006). “Why Workers Share or Do Not Share Knowledge: A Case Study.” Indiana ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 280-280, retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/305309550?accountid=45049. (305309550).Why Workers Share or Do Not Share Knowledge: A Case StudyWhy workers share or do not share knowledge: a case study is a doctorial thesis by Keng-soon Soo submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of philosophy. The reasons why workers are willing to share knowledge vary depending on whom the question is posed to.

Different departments believe that they have put in place necessary tools to enable distribution of knowledge, For instance, by putting various incentives and performance management programs, human resource department believe that workers are motivated enough to share knowledge. Other department follow suit by putting measures to either collect data or encourage workers to form occupational communities to distribute knowledge. The assumption that workers can willingly share their hard-won knowledge because of the above motivators is not true.

An interview with 43 knowledge workers revealed that intrinsic motivators like job insecurity, altruistic sharing, social ties, and professionalism make workers share their knowledge. In addition, enlightened self-interest and performance reviews are extrinsic motivators to sharing of knowledge. At times, workers fail to share genuine knowledge with their colleagues because of job insecurity, to protect one’s competitive edge, personal traits, confidentiality, and lack of sharing culture. Additionally, acceptance of knowledge motivates workers to share it.

The age of the persons sharing knowledge is an important motivator too.