Benefits of knowledge sharing from the managers' point of view

Abstract

Knowledge is an intangible asset that can bring a competitive advantage to any company when it is managed and shared amongst employees. The implementation and promotion of knowledge sharing can be challenging for managers, because it is difficult to measure the benefits. Thus, the first aim of this research was to probe into the experiences of managers in order to assess whether they are aware of the benefits of knowledge sharing and, subsequently, to categorize these benefits. The second aim was to ascertain which measures of these knowledge sharing benefits would be suggested by the managers. Data was collected via interviews with managers from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Japan. Following data collection, some principles of grounded theory were used for data analysis. Participants suggested that knowledge sharing can assist the company improve innovation skills, relationships within and outside of the company, source optimization, and financial performance. Furthermore, some indicators of the benefits of knowledge sharing measurement were identified. © Common Ground Research Networks, Zuzana Crhová, Jana Matošková, Drahomíra Pavelková, All Rights Reserved.