Proposing a Conceptual Model for Making Knowledge Broker Effective in the Process of Knowledge-sharing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Islamic Azad University,Science and Research Branch,Tehran,Iran

Abstract

Knowledge broker is a simple-looking concept. It looks easy, because the task of knowledge broker is to facilitate communications between the one in need of knowledge and the one in possession of the knowledge. We say it just looks easy, because knowledge transfer without knowledge internalization is not effective. The main goal of this study is to identify the characteristics of knowledge broker for making knowledge-sharing process effective. Qualitative research method with data-based approach is used here. Therefore, the duties and characteristics of knowledge brokers are investigated in the context of a domestic knowledge-based organization, and structural connections between these duties and characteristics are explained for making knowledge-sharing process effective. The data of this study is collected through a series of semi-structured interviews with the managers and experts of the organization, and then analyzed by utilizing open, center-based and selective coding method. The findings reveal four characteristics for knowledge brokers, including extroversion, charisma, position, and organizational authorities and ability. Also, according to the conceptual model proposed in this study, knowledge brokers, besides developing communication capacity, improve change capacity in organization and thereby make knowledge-sharing process effective.

Keywords

References

Akhavan, P. & Rahimi, A., 2012. Identify and rank the motivational factors affecting knowledge sharing in an industrial organization. Innovation Management, 1(2), pp.107-135.
Alameh, M., Shaemi Barzaki, A. & Seyed Sadri, E., 2012. Identifying the Barriers of Knowledge Sharing In Isfahan Oil Refinig Company (the Phenomenology Research). Researches of Managemet Organizatinal Resources, 2(3), pp.119-143.
Ardichvili, A., Page, V. & Wenling, T., 2003. Motivation & Barriers to Participation in Virtual Knowledge Sharing Communities of Practice. Journal of Knowledge Management, 7(1), pp. 64-77.
Brown, S. & Eisenhardt, K., 1997. The Art of Continuous Change: Linking Complexity Theory and Time-Paced Evolution in Relentlessly Shifting Organization. Administrative Science Quarterly , 42(1 ), pp. 1-34.
CHSRF, 2003. The Theory and Practice of Knowledge Broking in Canada’s Health System, Montreal: CHSRF.
Conklin, J., 2010. SHRTN Collaborative Evaluation Report, Covering years 4 and 5. Seniors Health Knowledge Network, Available at:  www. seniorshealthknowledgenetwork.com/taxonomy/term89.
Cooper, A., 2010. Knowledge Brokers - A Promising Knowledge Mobilization Strategy to Increase Research Use and Its Impact in Education. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
Cranefield, . J. & Yoong, P., 2007. The Role of the translator/interpreter in knowledgetransfer environments. Knowledge and Process Management, 14(2), pp. 95-103.
Davenport, T. H. & Prusak, L., 2000. Working knowledge: How organizations manage what they know, Harvard Business School Press, USA.
Dobbins, M. & et al, 2009. A description of aknowledge brokerrole implemented as part of a randomized controlled trial evaluating three knowledge translation strategies. Implementation Science,Volume 4.
Eisenhardt, K., 1989. Building Theories from Case Study Research. Academy of Management Review, 14(4), pp. 532-550.
Fisher, C., 2011. Knowledge Brokering and Intermediary concepts. Brighton: IDS Knowledge Services.
Gao, S., 2004. Understanding Knowledge Sharing Behaviour, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology.
Giannakis, M., 2008. Facilitating learning and knowledge transfer through supplierdevelopment. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol. 13, pp. 62–72.
Glyn, W., 2000. A Comparative Discussion of Notion of the Validity in Qualitative Research. the Qualitative Report , 4(3).
Goh, S., 2002. Managing effective knowledge transfer: An integrativeframework and some practice implications. Journal of Knowledge Management, 6(1), pp. 23–30.
Goolafshani, N., 2006. Validity and reliability in qualitative research. Quarterly Journal of Information, Education and Research Tomorrow's Management, 4(13_14).
Hammami, H., Amara, N. & Landry, R., 2013. Organizational climate and its influence on brokers’ knowledge transfer activities: A structural equation modeling. International Journal of Information Management , 33 (2013), pp. 105– 118.
Hansen, M., 2002. Knowledge networks: explaining effective knowledge sharing in multi-unit companies. Organization Science, 13(3), pp. 232-48.
Hargadon, B., 1998. Firms as Knowledge brokers: Lessons in pursuing Continuous innovation. California Management Review, 40(3), pp. 209–227.
Honig, M., 2004. The new middle management: Intermediary organizations in education policy implementation. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 26(1), pp. 65-87.
Hooff, v. & de Ridder, J., 2004. Knowledge sharing in context: the influence of organizational commitment, communication climate and CMC use on knowledge sharing. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(6), pp. 117-30.
Horne, M., 2008. Honest brokers : brokering innovation in public services, The innovation Unit Inc..
Jafari, M. & Akhavan, P., 2006. Dynamic Knowledge Markets: A Way to Realize Knowledge Management. Monthly Scientific and Educational Tadbir, Volume (173).
Jackson, N., 2003. Introduction to brokering in higher education. in: Engaging and changing higher education through brokerage. Ashgate Publishing , Aldershot.
Kerssens-van, D., 2001 . The Iterative Theory-Building Process: Rationale, Principlaes and Evaluation. Management Decision, 39(7), pp. 503-512 .
Khatemian Far, P., 2012. A brief overview of inhibitors and barriers to knowledge sharing in organizations. Shamsa Electronic Journal, 1(2).
Kidwell, D., 2013. Principal investigators as knowledge brokers: A multiple case study of thecreative actions of PIs in entrepreneurial science. Technological Forecasting & Social Change , Volume 80, pp. 212–220.
Kim, S., Suha, E. & Jun, Y., 2011. Building a Knowledge Brokering System using social network analysis: A casestudy of the Korean financial industry. Expert Systems with Applications , Volume 38, pp. 14633–14649.
McGrath, J. & Bringberg, D., 1983. External Validity and the Research Process: A Comment on the Calder/Lynch Dialouge. Journal of Consumer Research, Volume 10.
Moghimi, S.M. & Ramazan, M., 2013. Knowledge management and information technology. Publication of Industrial Management Organization.
O’Dell, C. & Grayson, C., 1998. If only we knew what we know: identification and transfer of internal best practices. California Management Review, 40(3), pp. 154-74.
Pandit, N., 1996. The Creation of Theory A Recent Application of the Grounded Theory Method. The qualitative Report, 2(4), pp. 1-20.
Roxborough,  .,  Rivard,  .,  Russell,  . &  , 2009. Knowledge Brokering in Health Care. CanChild  Centre for  Childhood  Disability  Research.
Sareminia, S., Moshabeki, A. & Delavari, V., 2013. Designing and evaluating a conceptual model of storytelling strategy development for knowledge management. Innovation Management, 2(3), pp.125-148.
Scott-Findlay, S., 2004. Knowledge-Brokers, Linking Researchers and Policy Makers : Workshop Summary, Health Research Transfer Network of Alberta.
Sharifuddin, S. O. & Rowland, F., 2004. Knowledge Management in a Public Organization: A Study on the Relationship Between Organization Elements and the Performance of Knowledge Transfer. Journal of Knowledge Management, 8(2), pp. 95-111.
Strauss, A. L. & Corbin, I., 1990. Basics Of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures And Techniques. Thousand Oaks.
Sundaresan, S. & Zhang, Z., 2004. Facilitating Knowledge Transfer in Organizations through Incentive Alignment and IT Investment. Hawaii, Proceedings of the 37th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
Szulanski, G., 2000. The process of knowledge transfer: a diachronic analysis of stickiness. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Process, Volume 82, pp. 9–27.
Teng, J. & Song, S., 2011. An exploratory examination of knowledge sharing behaviors: solicited and voluntary. Journal of knowledge management , 15(1), pp. 104-117.
Yu, Y., 2004. Motivational Foundation of Individual Knowledge Sharing, Master Thesis, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology.
Zaltman, G., LeMasters, K. & Heffring, M., 1982. Theory Construction in Marketing Some Thoughts on Thinking. John Wiley.
Zhang, J. & Faerman, S. R., 2004. Nature of Knowledge and Its Influence on Knowledge Sharing Practice: Experiences from Building the MACROS System. Hawaii, Proceedings of the 37th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
Innovation Management Journal
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 9
December 2014
Pages 101-120

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 01 September 2014
  • Accept Date: 15 May 2015

Share

How to cite

Statistics