The influence of culture, organisational structure and motivational constructs on knowledge sharing public sector organisations

Mohamed, O; Egbu, CO; Arif, M

Abstract

Knowledge sharing is widely regarded as vital to organisational innovations. Knowledge itself is seen to provide real value when it is converted into economic and competitive advantage to organisations. In the same vein, organisational culture is considered to play a vital role in knowledge sharing initiatives. Culture can be argued to be rooted in an organization’s core values and assumptions. Often these are not only unarticulated, but so taken for granted. They are therefore difficult to articulate and ‘invisible’ to organizational members. This paper, inter alia, explores the extent to which organisational structure and culture act as barriers to the successful implementation of knowledge sharing initiatives. Based on a critical review of extant literature, the paper purports to provide an insight, into the role that culture plays in effective knowledge sharing in the public sector. It also highlights the impact of motivational constructs in effective sharing of knowledge in the public sector. It concludes that culture, motivation and organisational structure impact on knowledge sharing in many complex ways. Organisations need to give due cognisance to these complexities when implementing knowledge sharing initiatives and in addressing the measures for assessing the success of a knowledge sharing initiative. These complexities also raise interesting issues for research in the area. These are discussed and documented for the benefits of researchers in the area.

Citation

Mohamed, O., Egbu, C., & Arif, M. (2009, January). The influence of culture, organisational structure and motivational constructs on knowledge sharing public sector organisations. Presented at Proceeding International Built Human Environment Research Week, 9th International Post Graduate Research Conference, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, UK,

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Proceeding International Built Human Environment Research Week, 9th International Post Graduate Research Conference
• Conference Location: Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, UK,
• Start Date: Jan 29, 2009
• End Date: Jan 30, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Keywords: Culture, knowledge sharing, motivation, organisational structure, public sector
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference