Unravelling the Complexities of Knowledge - A qualitative study on how knowledge is managed and shared in knowledge-intensive organizations

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the knowledge sharing and management practices of knowledge-intensive organizations. The research was done through the form of a qualitative case study, examining two Swedish research institutes and conducting 18 interviews with employees and managers at both organizations. Additional data was collected through observations at one of the organizations and internal documentation from both organizations. The findings indicate that knowledge sharing within the organizations takes place through informal means and that the value of knowledge within both organizations is derived from the successful sharing of knowledge. The existence of a strong community of practice (CoP) was also identified at one of the organizations where it was passively nurtured by management, but not in the other organization which displayed more formalized attempts at CoP-creation. Finally, identity was identified as a factor playing an important role within both organizations, as well as an important factor for the success of the CoP at one organization. This paper argues that CoPs play an important role in successful knowledge sharing within knowledge-intensive organizations, and that CoPs can be strengthened by proper managerial nurturing and a strong shared organization and professional identity. This study contributes new insights into the field of knowledge management within the unique and seldom studied context of research institutes.