What Are the Hindrances in the Process of Knowledge Sharing in an Organization Essay Example

What Are the Hindrances in the Process of Knowledge Sharing in an Organization? Essay Employees disagreed that they always have time for other people to share knowledge. It is due to general lack of time to share knowledge, and time to identify colleagues in need of specific knowledge. In this fast paced world, it is difficult to cope with the circumstances so people do not have time for others. Similarly, most of the employees highly disagreed that they’re willing to devote their personal time to others even if it is within the organization. This indicates that time is a major hindrance in knowledge sharing. Besides this an individuals’ own capability to share and perceive knowledge is important. Employees agreed that if the person is capable to understand what is being delivered to him, then the knowledge would be successfully shared. They even strongly agreed that level of knowledge sharing is dependent on the capabilities an individual has. Employees showed willingness in sharing information if people approached them for some personal, administrative, financial or organizational problem, rather than offering them voluntarily. They do not share unnecessary information. They only prefer to share such information which is relevant and useful for the other person. Being a member of an organization does not require their employees to share their personal work experiences with each other. But they would put in a great deal of effort beyond what is normally expected in order to help their organization to be successful. Sometimes a hindrance in knowledge sharing occurs when you are not able to convey your message to the organization. This is because people cannot readily differentiate useful information from useless information. We will write a custom essay sample on What Are the Hindrances in the Process of Knowledge Sharing in an Organization? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What Are the Hindrances in the Process of Knowledge Sharing in an Organization? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What Are the Hindrances in the Process of Knowledge Sharing in an Organization? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer People are averse to sharing information orally, and even more averse to sharing it in written form. It is a common observation that people share information generously peer-to-peer, but begrudgingly upwards, and sparingly downwards in organizational hierarchies. Many employees who were surveyed strongly agreed to this perception. Besides this, they prefer sharing information only with the ones whom they trust because others might misuse knowledge or take unjust credit for it. This is also because of fear that sharing may reduce or jeopardize people’s job security. Employees are hesitant in sharing knowledge with those who are more experienced or at a high organizational post. This may be because of differences in experience or educational levels, age differences, poor verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills or use of strong hierarchy, position-based status, and formal power. The existing corporate culture does not provide sufficient support for sharing practices. Mostly the communication and knowledge flows are restricted into certain directions (e. g. top-down). Internal competitiveness within business units, functional areas, and subsidiaries can be high so employees do not share their knowledge with colleagues because of fear that it may lead to their better performance. Lack of leadership and managerial direction in terms of clearly communicating the benefits and values of knowledge sharing practices restricts employees to share information freely. Scarcity of transparent rewards and recognition systems would motivate people to share more of their knowledge. Employees indicated the lack of opportunities provided for formal and informal spaces to share, reflect and generate (new) knowledge. Usually employees hesitate in sharing information with others due to risk of it being misused or misinterpreted. People can internalize information presented graphically more easily and fully than information presented as text, and understand information conveyed through stories better than information presented analytically. Information can only be useful if it is clearly understood by the recipient. Lack of social networking is another hindrance in knowledge sharing. They do not share information because of shortage of contact time and interaction between knowledge source employees and recipients.