7. Enablers and barriers

Technology is potentially a very important enabler of knowledge sharing and KM but several other factors can significantly influence the effectiveness of a KM system. Particular attention is paid to the part that culture might play and Chapter 7 also outlines some of the impacts made by policies and organisational structures.

Clearly a culture that naturally encourages learning and knowledge sharing would be one in which KM initiatives could be expected to thrive. When that natural advantage is absent it cannot be replaced by forcing people to learn. The alternative is to create an enabling environment in which learning and creativity are encouraged. The concept of learning organisations may be helpful in this respect. The rationale for these is described and the text looks also at some of the general characteristics of ‘learning cultures’.

The authors mention several barriers associated with personal reticence or inhibitions about sharing knowledge and list some more general curbs to progress. These include inadequate technology, top-down decision making or form of the organisational structure.

The problems and possible solutions are discussed and, in the same vein, Chapter 7 looks at some of the reasons why staff might be less than positive about implementing organisational policy on KM. It suggests how incentives might help to correct that situation when organisational policy is one of active support for KM.

Finally the chapter looks at the role of Learning Projects and the relatively new concept of Learning Alliances as mechanisms for sharing and transferring information and building knowledge. Both mechanisms can facilitate the interaction of people from different groups or professions or areas of expertise, bringing them together to overcome barriers and enable progress towards solving a common problem by sharing knowledge.