CHAPTER # 15: DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE-SHARING BEHAVIOURS AND EFFECTIVE KNOWLEDGE ACTIVISTS
Why the topic matters?
The knowledge sharing behavior in an organization enables the managers in easily selecting effective people for important roles. This enhances the leadership development within the organization. Knowledge sharing behavior enhances the business capabilities and this in turn improves the overall business performance. All the workers in the organization start collaborative product development which enhances the ability of knowledge sharing in the most effective and efficient manner. The knowledge sharing practice unlocks the information which is stored in the people’s mind and suggests imposing the practices which create a difference between success and failure. All these factors impact on the corporate survival of the business itself and strengthen the knowledge base within the organization. The managers require understanding and developing the methods which help in understanding and developing all these competencies. Knowledge management is an act of engaging. Effective managers are those who succeed in engaging the sharing of such information (Winkelen & McKenzie, 2011).
What the topic means for the organization?
For creating a knowledge sharing environment it is important that a knowledge base and a knowledge building value is formed. Successful implementation of these practices leads towards building a relationship. Networking, recognition and empowerment give confidence to the employees for gathering and developing knowledge, sharing information, communicating knowledge and expertise.
Engaging with knowledge sharing requires that the activists possess certain essential skills. The broad spectrum of skills which the activists require possessing includes building a relationship, a knowledge sharing base and value for knowledge as shown in the diagram above. Elaborate description of the skills and characteristics include building a strong relationship, internal beliefs, ability to align the culture, being action oriented, manage the projects with creativity, create a dialogue and show credibility. Besides these skills the managers must also possesses strong technical skills in areas like content architecture, database management etc.
What goes into creating an action plan for the topic?
For building of high quality knowledge sharing relationships it is essential that a strong framework is developed. This framework comprises of all the seven aspects which have been shown in the diagram above.
Networking: The ambitious people give priority on how others see them and they develop specific networking skills for analyzing their standings. Those employees who are less ambitious don’t give heed to networking. Imposition of these quality traits is essential for effective knowledge sharing.
Consideration and recognition: Knowledge sharing requires the people to be socially active and this in turn makes them more effective with knowledge sharing in the corporate environment.
Trust and empowerment: The growth personality of the people makes them tolerant. Such people are supportive and help others in excelling ahead in a more effective and efficient manner. Maintaining trust between the employees is very important for growth and development of the organization.
Gathering and developing knowledge: This trait develops a thrust in the employees which keeps them on a path towards personal and professional development. Such people seek the ideas and opinions of others and this in turn constantly guides them and keeps them updated.
Managing and sharing information: Creating systems within the organization which aids the individuals and drive them in understanding the significance of knowledge sharing.
Communicating knowledge: While interacting and sharing knowledge the individuals are required communicating by explaining and expressing in a very clear and fluent manner.
Applying expertise: The individuals are required understanding the technicalities of their jobs and ensure application of the acquired knowledge in a most effective and efficient manner. At the same time application of the required technology is also important for understanding the role of business.
All these methods and skills are essential for the managers in understanding and making a difference in the business practices through knowledge sharing.
How can the topic be applied to your team's assigned organization which is Monsanto Company?
Monsanto requires that all the employees collaborate with each other and share knowledge. This practice will guide the employees in dealing with challenges which are similar to the challenges which other employees have faced. Knowledge sharing behavior initiated by the activists will enhance the performance of the employees which will ultimately benefit the organization. All the skills which a knowledge activist must possess as discussed above show that knowledge sharing enhances the productivity and the scope with which employees deal with challenging situations. Employee appraisals and managerial successions are awarded to the individuals on the basis of their ability of dealing with the challenges. This becomes a lot easier in a knowledge sharing environment.
CHAPTER # 16: MOVING FROM HARD SELL TO COMPELLING BUY
Why the topic matters?
Different organizational environments require differing practices for transforming and engaging their employees towards knowledge sharing. The knowledge sharing process is difficult to implement because it challenges all the powers, authorities, leadership, hierarchy and competition in an organization. Different situations arise before the employees and the managers understand that what it looks and feels like in managing knowledge based organization. If this system is not properly managed then it may result in lack of motivation of the employees. The proper implementation of the method requires appropriate defining and implementation of the business outcomes. Besides this review all the resources and obstructions in the path of achieving the outcomes. After this it is essential to ensure that the change stays and that managers succeed in communicating their message to the audience in the similar manner.
What the topic means for the organization?
The method of engaging with the audience can be applied using two frameworks. These are alignment levels and the filtering patterns. If the employees are aligned and they work without confusion, conflict or stress. If all of these factors are aligned then the organizational goals and objectives can be easily accomplished and completed. Engaging different people working in an environment requires understanding different levels of imposition.
Filtering patterns: Words can be used in different ways and the meaning which they create for others derives their motivation. All the individuals who are subject, on the basis of their understanding make sense of the message. Different filter patterns create different orientation methods.
The different forms of filter patterns and their scope and purpose along with the methods have been discussed. All these filters are associated with intellectual intelligence of the individuals developed on the basis of their experiences. All these help in developing knowledge sharing in the environment (Winkelen & McKenzie, 2011).
What goes into creating an action plan for the topic?
All these principles are used for knowledge sharing and planning of such implementation. The four parts which form these processes are definition, diagnosis, design and determining the feasibility. All these four parts then form an eight step process which contributes in forming more convincing initiatives. The details of the eight steps are given below.
Step 1: Define the issues which the business is facing
Step 1a: Reason for creation of the issue and sustaining capability
Step 2: Defining the desired outcomes of the business
Step 2a: Factors which might hinder achievement of these outcomes
Step 3: Identify the business target audience
Step 4: Identification of the barriers and the resources
Step 5: Filter patterns relevant to the barriers and resources
Step 6: Use the insights and develop the interventions
Step 7: Identify the filter patterns which are required to be explored
Step 8: The feasibility of the plan requires to be assessed
All of the steps which have been discussed above aid in creating an action plan for the implementation of a learning environment (Winkelen & McKenzie, 2011).
How can the topic be applied to your team’s assigned organization which is Monsanto Company?
The topic can be implemented on Monsanto as it requires creating a knowledge sharing environment. During the process the management must face several challenges and apply certain strategies. All these form and the discussed filter patterns suggest the measures which can be taken for dealing with the challenges. The eight step action plan designed suggests the methods of successfully implementing knowledge sharing in the organization.
References
Winkelen, C. & McKenzie, J. (2011). Knowledge Works: The Handbook of Practical Ways to Identify and Solve Common Organizational Problems for Better Performance. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
