Journal of Information Technology Services (한국IT서비스학회지)

Korea Society of IT Services (한국IT서비스학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Knowledge Sharing in the New World of Work : Effects of the New Way of Working

  • Received : 2015.04.26
  • Accepted : 2015.06.24
  • Published : 2015.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

The New Way of Working (NWOW) is changing the world in which we work today. The principles of NWOW are based on freedom of time and place to work, and steering on output (results) instead of input (presence). As NWOW is a relatively new phenomenon, research on the effect of NWOW on knowledge sharing in organizations is scarce. In this research two multiple-case studies were performed to investigate the effect of the New Way of Working on knowledge. In the first study (A) different knowledge sharing scenarios were used at organizations that were in the process of implementing NWOW. This provided the opportunity to compare the sharing of knowledge between 'NWOW workers' and employees that still worked in the traditional way (non-NWOW workers). In total 216 scenario results were evaluated to determine differences in channel choice between the traditional and new work environment. For the second study (B) a Knowledge Sharing Framework was developed, based on the theories of Nonaka and Alavi & Leidner. This framework was used to determine the type of knowledge shared, e.g. tacit or explicit knowledge, in 84 situations. Additionally, to measure the level of NWOW adoption, a NWOW Analysis Monitor was used. The results show that NWOW workers use more different communication channels than traditional workers. When knowledge workers become more mobile, they will exchange knowledge less explicit (codified) and more tacit (personalized), use less face-to-face communication, but more video calls and e-mail. The adoption of the principles of NWOW seems to have a balancing effect on the knowledge that is shared in a tacit and explicit way, which in the view of Scheepers et al. is an effective knowledge sharing strategy. The research results show organizations need to realize that the New World of Working is affecting the way knowledge is shared. Missing out on this development may result in the loss of important knowledge and impact the operation of organizations.

Keywords

References

  1. Alavi, M. and D. Leidner, "Review : Knowledge Management and Knowledge Management Systems : Conceptual Foundations and Research Issues", MIS Quarterly, Vol.25, No.1, 2001, 107-136. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250961
  2. Baane, R., P. Houtkamp, and M. Knotter, Het Nieuwe Werken Ontrafeld-Over Bricks, Bytes and Behavior, Van Gorcum BV. ISBN 9789 023245858, 2010.
  3. Bijl, D.W., Journey Towards the New Way of Working : Creating Sustainable Performance and Joy at Work. Par CC, ISBN : 978-94-90528-00-3, 2011.
  4. Bodker, S. and E. Christiansen, Lost and Found in Flexibility. University of Aarhus, Center for New Ways of Working. Retrieved from http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/publications/lostand-found-in-flexibility(cd3361c0-983b-11da-bee9-02004c4f4f50).html, 2002.
  5. Carlson, J.R. and Zmund, R.W., "Channel Expansion Theory and the Experiential Nature of Media Richness Perceptions", Academy of Management, Vol.42, No.2, 1999, 153-170. https://doi.org/10.2307/257090
  6. Daft, R.L. and R.H. Lengel, "Information Richness : A New Approach to Managerial Behavior and Organization Design", Research in Organizational Behavior, Vol.6, 1983, 191-233.
  7. Davenport, T.H. and L. Prusak, Working Knowledge : How Organizations Manage What They Know, Harvard Business School Press, 1998.
  8. Drucker, P.F., "Knowledge worker productivity : the biggest challenge", California Management Review, Vol.41, 1999, 79-94. https://doi.org/10.2307/41165987
  9. Hammer, M. and J. Champy, Reengineering the Corporation : A Manifesto for Business Revolution, Harper Collins Publishers Inc, ISBN 0-06-662112-7, 1993.
  10. Hansen, M.T., N. Nohria, and T. Tierney, "What's Your Strategy for Managing Knowledge?", Harvard Business Review, Vol.77, No.2, 1999, 106-116.
  11. Greene, C. and J. Myerson, "Space for Thought : Designing for Knowledge Workers", Facilities, Vol.29, No.1/2, 2011, 19-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632771111101304
  12. Ipe, M., "Knowledge Sharing in Organizations : A Conceptual Framework", Human Resource Development Review, Vol.2, No.4, 2003, 337-359. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484303257985
  13. Johns, T. and L. Gratton, "The Third Wave Of Virtual Work", Harvard Business Review, Vol.91, No.1, 2013, 66-73.
  14. Kok, A. de, B.E.W. Bellefroid, and R.W. Helms, "Knowledge Sharing and Channel Choice : Effects of the New Way of Working", 14th European Conference on Knowledge Management ECKM 2013, 2013.
  15. Kok, A. de, J. Koops, and R.W. Helms, "Accessing the New Way of Working : Bricks, Bytes and Behavior", 18th Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems 2014, 2014.
  16. Nonaka, I., "A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation", Organization Science, Vol.5, No.1, 1994, 14-37. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.5.1.14
  17. Orlikowski, W.J., "The Duality of Technology : Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organizations", Organization Science, Vol.3, No.3, 1992, 398-427. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.3.3.398
  18. Scheepers, R., K. Venkitachalam, and M.R. Gibbs, "Knowledge Strategy in Organizations : Refining the Model of Hansen, Nohria and Tierney", Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Vol.13, No.3, 2004, 201-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2004.08.003
  19. Snyder, J.L. and J.E. Lee-Partridge, "Understanding Choice of Information and Communication Channels in Knowledge Sharing", Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Systems, 2009, 105.
  20. Waber, B., J. Magnolfi, and G. Lindsay, "Workspaces That Move People", Harvard Business Review, Vol.92, No.10, 2014, 68-77.
  21. Yin, R.K., "Case Study Research, 4th", 2009.