Reach & Richness: Towards a theory of knowledge sharing mechanism selection

Abstract

This paper provides insights on which mechanisms should be used for effective knowledge sharing in organizations, based on the stage of knowledge sharing and the characteristics of the mechanisms. Previous studies suggest that knowledge sharing mechanisms have two important characteristics: reach and richness, and these two characteristics affect the suitability of knowledge sharing mechanism in different stages of knowledge sharing process.Building on literature and our previous studies, the objective of this paper is to formalize and validate a theory for knowledge sharing mechanism selection, with implications for practitioners. The results of our data analysis partially proves that a mechanism with a strong reach dimension is preferred at the knowledge awareness stage, and a knowledge sharing mechanism with a high richness level is preferred at the knowledge transfer stage. Therefore, to maximize knowledge sharing in organizations, companies need to have a portfolio of knowledge sharing mechanisms, coupling those with high degree of reach with those with high degree of richness. To achieve this, we also developed a simple tool to help managers to assess the reach and richness characteristics. With this knowledge, it is hope that the right mechanism will be used and will lead to better knowledge sharing in organizations.