The Capture of Tacit Knowledge - Business Plan Example

Residency 2 Final Assignment: Research Plan Required Component and Response Additional s, questions and/or next steps A. Research Question Are organizations effectively managing the capture of tacit knowledge? The research will seek to find out the methods organizations are using to tap the knowledge of experienced employees. Following Seminar 1 write your current research question. B. Research Methodology A survey using a quantitative methodology is proposed. The time is limited and the research would be based on a more objective criterion to which this methodology lends itself. This survey will be sent to individuals using the internet. This will reduce printing expenses substantially. Telephone interviews may be used if responses are not been received quickly. The re-analysis of statistics already created by others could also be done. More recent research would be appropriate. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods could be employed. This would provide further information related to objective questions. What methodology would you propose to test your research question and why this is the best one? C. Theoretical Foundation and/or Conceptual Framework A socio-cognitive as well as a socio-constructivist approach will be taken. The socio-constructivist approach is based on the fact that tacit knowledge requires personal experience while the socio-cognitive approach is based on the management of learning. These are learning theories and are therefore appropriate to knowledge management. A pluralist methodology which also involves a positivist approach may also be considered. List 1- to 2-potential theoretical foundations and/or conceptual frameworks that may guide your study. State the key concepts of the theory and how they are related. For conceptual framework, describe the particular “lens” this framework offers for your study. D. Gaps Potential gaps relate to the fact that tacit knowledge cannot be transferred through documentation. It may therefore not be possible to gain critical information through exit interviews. Between 30% and 50% of the “baby boomers” group would have retired already based on Eucker (2008) research. Identify at least 1 potential gap E. Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations An assumption is that all organizations are in search of an effective knowledge management systems. One limitation to the study would be the fact that there is a strict time limit which may affect the level of responses to be obtained. The research will be limited to HR managers in information technology companies, legal firms, consultancies and manufacturing companies which use a high level of technology in their manufacturing process. This will only be carried out in one State. Possibilities exist for surveying the heads of departments/divisions/sections. Identify at least 1 assumption, limitation, and delimitation. F. Controlling and Managing Bias I would control bias in my research by randomly selecting the sample the research. I would also ask follow-up questions that would determine whether precious responses were based on objective reasoning or expectations of others. I would seek to pre-test the survey questionnaire on a small sample of HR managers in a few organizations to ensure that the questions are clear and can be properly understood at any level of the organization even though it is meant for persons at a high level before embarking on the research process. There will be no open ended questions requiring further explanation. I would give meanings for terms used such as: “Community of practice”; and “Effective management”. Identify one strategy for controlling and managing bias in your research. G. Summary of the Literature/Logical Fallacies The literature review will look at the claims that have been made and whether these have been supported by work done by others based on secondary analysis of a previous work or from the analysis of data gathered in this research. The literature review outline: -Literature supporting the socio-cognitive view -Literature supporting the constructivist view -Other views -Summary of research supporting each view -State reasons for any disagreement relating to the views presented One logical fallacy is to make a claim without having any statistics to support it. This will be guarded against in this research by making sure that all claims are properly supported with relevant data from the analysis. If there are any matters that limit the claims then these will be highlighted. For example, if this research is only carried out in one state then it cannot be used as a basis for generalization. Focus will be on knowledge management journal. However, other journals will be considered where considered appropriate. Attach a brief outline that describes the flow of your intended literature review. Describe one logical fallacy and how you will guard against this in your own writing. H. Synthesis of the Literature All the authors confirmed that tacit knowledge cannot be documented in its totality but the environment can be created to enable knowledgeable people to learn and adapt. We do not have the time to document what we know even if it is possible to do so. Furthermore, we are presented each day with novel problems for which there are no set answers and response times have been reduced because of the acceleration of market cycles. Wide reading is important. Ringberg and Reihlen (2008) present a socio-cognitive approach to knowledge transfer. It is treats knowledge management, utilization and transfer as a feature of organizational learning. Constructivists believe that we come to our own meaning making systems through life experiences. Armstrong (2001) however recognizes that there is a middle ground which is contingent approach and encompasses didactic and constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. Write 1 paragraph that provides a synthesis of at least 3 articles that approach your topic from different perspectives. I. Implications for Future Research It is important because a high percentage of the working population will be retiring soon and tacit knowledge is a distinctive advantage that most organizations have. This knowledge needs to be tapped as early as possible, before it is too late. This requires effective management of the human resources in organizations. Information from research carried out by Eucker (2008) indicates that approximately 43% of the current labor force will be retiring in ten years. What implications will your study have on future research? J. Contributions to Discipline and to Social Change The contribution that this research will make to the discipline is that it will help to increase the importance of effective knowledge management in organizations. This will help the organization to maintain its competitive edge. The younger employees would have gained more knowledge that they will be able to pass on to other in their profession and those whom they come in contact with outside of the organization such as their family members, friends, the community in which they live and other associates. This will help in the organization and the society’s transition to the next century. What contributions will your research make to the discipline and society? Note: Social change implications are expressed in terms of tangible improvements to individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, or societies. Works Cited Armstrong, S How can Tacit Knowledge and Intuition be cultivated in oneself and others? 2001. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press Eucker, Tom R. “Understanding the Impact of Tacit Knowledge Loss”. findarticles.com 2007 Knowledge Management Review: Vol. 10 (1). 19 Feb 2011. Eucker, Tom R. “Maintaining Levels of Expertise at Intel. findarticles.com 2007 Knowledge Management Review: Vol. 10 (3). 19 Feb 2011. Ringberg, Torsten & Reihlen, Markus “Towards a Socio-cognitive Approach to Knowledge Transfer” July 2008 Journal of Management Studies: Vol. 45 (5) p. 912-935 Wright, Harvey. “Tacit Knowledge & Pedagogy at UK Universities: Challenges for Effective Management”. ejkm.com. 2008 Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management: 2008, Vol. 6(1,) p.49 – 62. 19 Feb 2011 . Read More