Article Information:
Author(s):
Alexandre Ardichvili, Martin Maurer, Wei Li, Tim Wentling, Reed Stuedemann
Journal:
Journal of Knowledge Management
Year:
2006
Volume:
10
Issue:
1
Page:
94 - 107
ISSN:
1367-3270
DOI:
10.1108/13673270610650139
Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Document Access:
Existing customers:
Please login above.
Purchase this document:
Price payable:
GBP £13.00
plus handling charge of GBP £1.50
and VAT where applicable.
Purchase
Request this document:
Print or e-mail a document request to your librarian.
Request
Reprints & permissions:
Request
Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore cultural factors influencing knowledge sharing strategies in virtual communities of practice.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research design was employed. Data collection was based on in-depth interviews. The authors assumed that such factors as degree of collectivism, competitiveness, the importance of saving face, in-group orientation, attention paid to power and hierarchy, and culture-specific preferences for communication modes, would explain differences in knowledge seeking and sharing patterns.
Findings – The results showed that these factors had different levels of importance among employees in the three participating countries. The issue of saving face was less important than expected in China. Modesty requirements as well as a high degree of competitiveness among employees were found to be serious barriers to information sharing in China, but not in Russia and Brazil. Perceived differences in power and hierarchy seemed to be less critical in all three countries than initially assumed.
Research limitations/implications – Since this study was conducted among the online community members of Caterpillar Inc., the results could be affected by factors unique to this specific case. Thus, future research should investigate the influence of other factors such as the organizational culture, or occupational groups on knowledge sharing strategies.
Practical implications – Before any introduction of country-specific knowledge sharing systems, a cultural needs assessment should be conducted.
Originality/value – The impact of national culture factors on knowledge sharing has been largely neglected in the literature, and the findings will assist knowledge managers charged with the design of flexible knowledge management systems.
Keywords:
Culture,
Knowledge management,
Knowledge sharing
Article Type:
Research paper
Article URL:
http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/13673270610650139
Top
Logout