Social Media and Tacit Knowledge Sharing: Developing a Conceptual Model

Authors: Sirous Panahi , Jason Watson , Helen Partridge

Abstract:

With the advent of social web initiatives, some argued that these new emerging tools might be useful in tacit knowledge sharing through providing interactive and collaborative technologies. However, there is still a poverty of literature to understand how and what might be the contributions of social media in facilitating tacit knowledge sharing. Therefore, this paper is intended to theoretically investigate and map social media concepts and characteristics with tacit knowledge creation and sharing requirements. By conducting a systematic literature review, five major requirements found that need to be present in an environment that involves tacit knowledge sharing. These requirements have been analyzed against social media concepts and characteristics to see how they map together. The results showed that social media have abilities to comply some of the main requirements of tacit knowledge sharing. The relationships have been illustrated in a conceptual framework, suggesting further empirical studies to acknowledge findings of this study.

Keywords: Knowledge sharing, Tacit knowledge, Social media, Web 2.0

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1061479

References:

[1] S. S. R. Abidi, Y. N. Cheah, and J. Curran, "A knowledge creation infostructure to acquire and crystallize the tacit knowledge of health-care experts," IEEE Transactions on Information Technology in Biomedicine, vol. 9, pp. 193-204, 2005.
[2] R. Saeed Mirza, "Knowledge management and clinical framework for cross country healthcare organizations," Master, Department of Interaction and System Design, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden, 2009.
[3] T. Haldin-Herrgard, "Difficulties in diffusion of tacit knowledge in organizations," Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 1, pp. 357-365, 2000.
[4] S. Abdul Wahab, H. Abdullah, J. Uli, and R. Che Rose, "Inter-firm technology transfer and performance in international joint venture firms," International Journal of Business and Management, vol. 5, pp. 93-103, 2010.
[5] M. H. Selamat and J. Choudrie, "The diffusion of tacit knowledge and its implications on information systems: The role of meta-abilities," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 8, pp. 128-139, 2004.
[6] J. Bloodgood and W. Salisbury, "Understanding the influence of organizational change strategies on information technology and knowledge management strategies," Decision Support Systems, vol. 31, pp. 55-69, 2001.
[7] I. L. A. Lai, "Knowledge management for Chinese medicines: A conceptual model," Information Management & Computer Security, vol. 13, pp. 244-255, 2005.
[8] N. Hara and K. F. Hew, "Knowledge-sharing in an online community of health-care professionals," Information Technology & People, vol. 20, pp. 235-261, 2007.
[9] L. Falconer, "Organizational learning, tacit information, and e-learning: A review," The Learning Organization, vol. 13, pp. 140-151, 2006.
[10] M. Alavi and D. E. Leidner, "Knowledge management systems: issues, challenges, and benefits," Communications of the AIS, vol. 1, 1999.
[11] K. Y. Wong and E. Aspinwall, "Characterizing knowledge management in the small business environment," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 8, pp. 44-61, 2004.
[12] S. Paroutis and A. Al Saleh, "Determinants of knowledge sharing using Web 2.0 technologies," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 13, pp. 52-63, 2009.
[13] J. McKenzie and R. Potter, "Enabling conditions for virtual tacit knowledge exchange," in Leveraging corporate knowledge, E. Truch, Ed., ed Aldershot, UK: Gower, 2004, pp. 89-116.
[14] M. Mitri, "Applying tacit knowledge management techniques for performance assessment," Computers & Education, vol. 41, pp. 173- 189, 2003.
[15] Z. L. Hsia, M. N. Lin, J. H. Wu, and H. T. Tsai, "A framework for designing nursing knowledge management systems," Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, vol. 1, pp. 14-21, 2006.
[16] S. S. R. Abidi, S. Hussini, W. Sriraj, S. Thienthong, and G. A. Finley, "Knowledge sharing for pediatric pain management via a Web 2.0 framework," Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, vol. 150, pp. 287-291, 2009.
[17] D. Osimo, "Web 2.0 in government: Why and how," Institute for Prospectice Technological Studies (IPTS), Joint Research Center (JRC), European Commission, Seville, Spain2008.
[18] K. Steininger, D. R├╝ckel, E. Dannerer, and F. Roithmayr, "Healthcare knowledge transfer through a web 2.0 portal: An Austrian approach," International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, vol. 11, pp. 13-30, 2010.
[19] I. Nonaka and H. Takeuchi, The knowledge-creating company. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.
[20] D. Vlok, "An assessment of the knowledge processing environment in an organisation-A case study," Master degree, Rhodes Investec Business School, Rhodes University, 2004.
[21] T. R. Groff and T. P. Jones, Introduction to knowledge management: KM in business. Burlington: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2003.
[22] R. Grutter, K. Stanowvska-Slabeva, and W. Fierz, "Implementing a knowledge medium in a multi-centered clinical trial," in 32nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS-32), Maui, HI , USA, 1999.
[23] A. S. Bollinger and R. D. Smith, "Managing organizational knowledge as a strategic asset," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 5, pp. 81- 18, 2001.
[24] A. Pavlicek, "The challenges of tacit knowledge sharing in a Wiki system," in 17th Interdisciplinary Information and Management Talks (IDIMT), Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech, 2009, pp. 391-397.
[25] E. A. Smith, "The role of tacit and explicit knowledge in the workplace," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 5, pp. 311-321, 2001.
[26] C. N. G. K. Dampney, P. Busch, and D. Richards, "The meaning of tacit knowledge," Australasian Journal of Information Systems, vol. 10, pp. 1-10, 2002.
[27] R. C. Bowley, "A comparative case study: Examining the organizational use of social networking sites," Master, Department of Public Relations, The University of Waikato, Hamilton, 2009.
[28] H. Sarkkinen, "The role of social media in customer communication in business-to-business markets," Master, Department of Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Oulu, 2009.
[29] C. Elefant and N. Black, Social media for lawyers: The next frontier. Chicago: American Bar Association, 2010.
[30] K. Lerman, "Social information processing in news aggregation," IEEE Internet Computing, vol. 11, pp. 16-28, 2007.
[31] T. O'Reilly, "What Is Web 2.0: Design patterns and business models for the next generation of software," Communications & Strategies, vol. 65, pp. 17-37, 2005.
[32] C. Matthee, "Towards the two-way symmetrical communication model: The use of Social media to create dialogue around brands," Magister Atrium, Department of Applied Media Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 2011.
[33] A. Mayfield. (2008). What is social media? Available: http://www.icrossing.co.uk/fileadmin/uploads/eBooks/What_is_Social_ Media_iCrossing_ebook.pdf
[34] I. Gordeyeva, "Enterprise 2.0: theoretical foundations of social media tools influence on knowledge sharing practices in organizations," Master, Department of Business Information Technology, School of Management and Governance, University of Twente, Enschede, 2010.
[35] C. Canali, J. D. Garcia, and R. Lancellotti, "Impact of social networking services on the performance and scalability of web server infrastructures," in Seventh IEEE International Symposium on Network Computing and Applications, Cambridge, MA 2008, pp. 160-167.
[36] S. Lindmark, "Web 2.0: Where does Europe stand?," Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), Luxembourg2009.
[37] P. Anderson, "What is Web 2.0? Ideas, technologies and implications for education," Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC), Bristol2007.
[38] Y. Zheng, L. Li, and F. Zeng, "Social media support for knowledge management," in International Conference on Management and Service Science (MASS), Wuhan, 2010.
[39] Q. Li, S. Liu, and L. Han, "Research on enterprise software architecture based on social computing," in IEEE 2nd Symposium on Web Society (SWS), Beijing, 2010, pp. 342-345.
[40] R. Wollan and N. Smith, The social media management handbook: Everything you need to know to get social media working in your business. Hoboken: John Wiley, 2011.
[41] A. J. Flanagin, "The elusive benefits of the technological support of knowledge management," Management Communication Quarterly, vol. 16, pp. 242-48, 2002.
[42] J. A. Johannessen, J. Olaisen, and B. Olsen, "Mismanagement of tacit knowledge: The importance of tacit knowledge, the danger of information technology, and what to do about it," International Journal of Information Management, vol. 21, pp. 3-20, 2001.
[43] D. Hislop, "Mission impossible? Communicating and sharing knowledge via information technology," Journal of Information Technology, vol. 17, pp. 165-177, 2001.
[44] R. Harris and P. Lecturer, "Improving tacit knowledge transfer within SMEs through e-collaboration," Training, vol. 33, pp. 215-231, 2009.
[45] J. M. Hildrum, "Sharing tacit knowledge online: A case study of e- Learning in Cisco's network of system integrator partner firms," Industry & Innovation, vol. 16, pp. 197-218, 2009.
[46] M. Alavi and D. E. Leidner, "Review: Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual foundations and research issues," MIS quarterly, pp. 107-136, 2001.
[47] D. Stenmark, "Leveraging tacit organizational knowledge," Journal of Management Information Systems, vol. 17, pp. 9-24, 2000.
[48] C. Lopez-Nicolas and P. Soto-Acosta, "Analyzing ICT adoption and use effects on knowledge creation: An empirical investigation in SMEs," International Journal of Information Management, 2010.
[49] A. D. Marwick, "Knowledge management technology," IBM Systems Journal, vol. 40, pp. 814-830, 2001.
[50] I. Sarkiunaite and D. Kriksciuniene, "Impacts of information technologies to tacit knowledge sharing: Empirical approach," Informacijos mokslai, pp. 69-79, 2005.
[51] M. A. Chatti, R. Klamma, and M. Jarke, "The Web 2.0 driven SECI model based learning process," in Seventh IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2007), 2007.
[52] S. R. Murray and J. Peyrefitte, "Knowledge type and communication media choice in the knowledge transfer process," Journal of Managerial Issues, vol. 19, pp. 111-133, 2007.
[53] A. Chua, "Relationship between the types of knowledge shared and types of communications channels used," Journal of Knowledge Management Practice, vol. 2, 2001.
[54] M. A. Chilton and J. M. Bloodgood, "Measuring the dimensions of tacit and explicit knowledge: Enhancing knowledge management," in Ubiquitous developments in knowledge management: Integrations and trends, M. Jennex, Ed., ed: IGI global, 2010, pp. 264-281.
[55] M. Polanyi, The tacit dimension. London: University of Chicago Press, 1966/2009.
[56] E. Kurti, "Working with tacit knowledge: An emprical investigation in glass blowing tradition in Sweden," Master, School of computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics, Linnaeus University, 2011.
[57] O. J. Khan and N. B. Jones, "Harnessing tacit knowledge for competitive advantage: An internal social network approach," Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, vol. 5, pp. 232 - 248, 2011.
[58] S. C. Yang and C. K. Farn, "Social capital, behavioural control, and tacit knowledge sharing--A multi-informant design," International Journal of Information Management, vol. 29, pp. 210-218, 2009.
[59] J. S. Holste and D. Fields, "Trust and tacit knowledge sharing and use," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 14, pp. 128-140, 2010.
[60] D. Song, "The tacit knowledge-sharing strategy analysis in the project work," International Business Research, vol. 2, pp. 83-85, 2009.
[61] K. Lietsala and E. Sirkkunen, Social Media: Introduction to the tools and processes of participatory economy. Tampere: University of Tampere, 2008.
[62] R. Boateng, V. Mbarika, and C. Thomas, "When Web 2.0 becomes an organizational learning tool: Evaluating Web 2.0 tools," Development and Learning in organizations, vol. 24, pp. 17-20, 2010.
[63] J. K. Wahlroos, "Social media as a form of organizational knowledge sharing: A case study on employee participation at Wärtsilä," Master, Department of Social Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 2010.
[64] M. N. Kamel Boulos and S. Wheeler, "The emerging Web 2.0 social software: an enabling suite of sociable technologies in health and health care education," Health Information & Libraries Journal, vol. 24, pp. 2- 23, 2007.
[65] M. A. Chatti, M. Jarke, and D. Frosch-Wilke, "The future of e-learning: A shift to knowledge networking and social software," International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, vol. 3, pp. 404-420, 2007.
[66] I. Nonaka, "A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation," Organization Science, vol. 5, pp. 14-37, 1994.
[67] I. Nonaka, R. Toyama, and N. Konno, "SECI, Ba and leadership: A unified model of dynamic knowledge creation," Long Range Planning, vol. 33, pp. 5-34, 2000.
[68] D. Sole and D. G. Wilson, "Storytelling in organizations: The power and traps of using stories to share knowledge in organizations," Training and Development, vol. 53, pp. 44-52, 1999.
[69] R. Nilmanat, "Image usage and tacit knowledge sharing in online communities," in International Conference on Computing, Engineering and Information, Fullerton, CA, 2009, pp. 343-346.
[70] B. W. Wirtz, O. Schilke, and S. Ullrich, "Strategic development of business models: Implications of the Web 2.0 for creating value on the internet," Long Range Planning, vol. 43, pp. 272-290, 2010.
[71] L. Malita and C. Martin, "Digital Storytelling as web passport to success in the 21st Century," Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 2, pp. 3060-3064, 2010.
[72] V. Strahovnik and B. Mecava, "Storytelling and Web 2.0 services: A synthesis of old and new ways of learning," eLearning Papers, pp. 1-11, 2009.
[73] M. Eraut, "Non-formal learning and tacit knowledge in professional work," British Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 70, pp. 113-136, 2000.
[74] C. Fox, "A confirmatory factor analysis of the structure of tacit knowledge in nursing," The Journal of Nursing Education, vol. 36, p. 459, 1997.
[75] T. Paavola, P. Turunen, and J. Vuori, "Towards knowledge intensive inter-organizational systems in healthcare," in Clinical Knowledge Management: Opportunites and Challenges, R. K. Bali, Ed., ed Hershey: Idea Group, 2005, pp. 271-284.
[76] H. S. Shim and G. L. Roth, "Sharing tacit knowledge among expert teaching professors and mentees: Considerations for career and technical education teacher educators," Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, vol. 44, pp. 5-28, 2007.
[77] S. Gourlay, "Towards conceptual clarity for ÔÇÿtacit knowledge-: a review of empirical studies," Knowledge Management Research & Practice, vol. 4, pp. 60-69, 2006.
[78] C. Redecker, K. Ala-Mutka, M. Bacigalupo, A. Ferrari, and Y. Punie, "Learning 2.0: The impact of Web 2.0 innovations on education and training in Europe," Joint Research Centre, Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, European Commission, Seville2009.
[79] J. Ganesh and S. Padmanabhuni, "Web 2.0: Conceptual framework and research directions," in Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), 2007, pp. 1-9.
[80] P. Kazienko, K. Musial, and T. Kajdanowicz, "Profile of the social network in photo sharing systems," in Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), 2008.
[81] J. G. Breslin, A. Passant, and S. Decker, The social semantic web. Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, 2009.
[82] J. Swan, S. Newell, H. Scarbrough, and D. Hislop, "Knowledge management and innovation: Networks and networking," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 3, pp. 262-275, 1999.
[83] T. Foos, G. Schum, and S. Rothenberg, "Tacit knowledge transfer and the knowledge disconnect," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 10, pp. 6-18, 2006.
[84] L. A. Joia and B. Lemos, "Relevant factors for tacit knowledge transfer within organisations," Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 14, pp. 410-427, 2010.
[85] J. Sandars, "Social software and digital competences," InnovAiT, vol. 3, pp. 306-309, 2010.
[86] J. M. DiMicco, W. Geyer, D. R. Millen, C. Dugan, and B. Brownholtz, "People sensemaking and relationship building on an enterprise social network site (HICSS '09)," in 42nd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Big Island, HI, 2009.
[87] M. A. Stefanone and C. Y. Jang, "Writing for friends and family: The interpersonal nature of blogs," Journal of Computer Mediated Communication, vol. 13, pp. 123-140, 2008.
[88] C. P. Lin, "To share or not to share: Modeling tacit knowledge sharing, its mediators and antecedents," Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 70, pp. 411-428, 2007.
[89] S. Wu, C. S. Lin, and T. C. Lin, "Exploring knowledge sharing in virtual teams: A social exchange theory perspective," in 39th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS '06), Hawaii, 2006, p. 26b.
[90] C. J. Chen and S. W. Hung, "To give or to receive? Factors influencing members' knowledge sharing and community promotion in professional virtual communities," Information & Management, vol. 47, pp. 226-236, 2010.
[91] D. Meyerson, K. E. Weick, and R. M. Kramer, "Swift trust and temporary groups," in Trust in organizations: Frontiers of theory and research, R. M. Kramer and T. R. Tyler, Eds., ed London: Sage Publications, 1996, pp. 166-195.
[92] S. L. Jarvenpaa and D. E. Leidner, "Communication and Trust in Global Virtual Teams," Organization Science, vol. 10, pp. 791-815, 1999.
[93] N. Zakaria, A. Amelinckx, and D. Wilemon, "Working together apart? Building a knowledge sharing culture for global virtual teams," Creativity and Innovation Management, vol. 13, pp. 15-29, 2004.
[94] D. A. Askay and A. J. Spivack, "The multidimensional role of trust in enabling creativity within virtual communities of practice: A theoretical model integrating swift, knowledge-based, institution-based, and organizational trust," in 43rd Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, Hawaii 2010, pp. 1-10.
[95] B. Faust, "Implementation of tacit knowledge preservation and transfer methods," in International Conference on Knowledge Management in Nuclear Facilities Vienna, Austria, 2007.
[96] J. Yi, "Externalization of tacit knowledge in online environments," International Journal on E-learning, vol. 5, pp. 663-674, 2006.
[97] Z. Li and G. Zhou, "A preliminary study on the knowledge-sharing of DSRT from social network perspective," in Third International Symposium on Electronic Commerce and Security Workshops(ISECS -10), Guangzhou, P. R. China, 2010, pp. 116-119.
[98] Y. Wang, "Design and evaluation of contextualized video interfaces," PhD, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2010.
[99] S. Mavromoustakos and K. Papanikolaou, "E-learning engineering in the Web 2.0 era," in 2nd International Conference on Education Technology and Computer (ICETC), 2010, pp. 534-538.
[100] T. Raisanen and H. Oinas-Kukkonen, "A system architecture for the 7C knowledge environment," in 17th European-Japanese Conference on Information Modelling and Knowledge Bases, Pori, Finland, 2008, pp. 217-236.
[101] H. K. S. Laschinger, J. Finegan, J. Shamian, and S. Casier, "Organizational trust and empowerment in restructured healthcare settings: effects on staff nurse commitment," Journal of Nursing Administration, vol. 30, pp. 413-425, 2000.
[102] C. M. Chiu, M. H. Hsu, and E. T. G. Wang, "Understanding knowledge sharing in virtual communities: An integration of social capital and social cognitive theories," Decision Support Systems, vol. 42, pp. 1872- 1888, 2006.