Tacit knowledge mobilization effect due to information structure

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Shelby, Kenneth R. | Mazzuchi, Thomas A. | Sarkani, Shahram

Affiliations: The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Kenneth R. Shelby, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. E-mail: kens@gwu.edu

Abstract: This original experiment demonstrates knowledge workers' ability to learn faster when a common knowledge base is represented in the recommended information structures. This paper describes the unique application of these new structures and closed knowledge system techniques in an open knowledge system employed as a collaborative environment. Information technology based collaborative environments can help teammates share by eliciting knowledge capture in these recommended information structure constructs. The new structure, named Multiple Informational Representations Required of Referent (MIRRoR) Knowledge, is shown to allow knowledge workers to learn faster and do better on posttest questions. Findings: Knowledge bases represented in a MIRRoR Knowledge structure improve men's and women's ability to learn and remember knowledge base content, with 99% confidence. Higher performing teams effectively leverage open knowledge systems to collaborate synergistically. Business stands to reap the practical rewards of higher performing teams when efficiency gains create more enterprise value sooner.

Keywords: Open knowledge systems, collaborative environments, information structure, knowledge worker efficiency, IT systems

DOI: 10.3233/IKS-130220

Journal: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 115-133, 2013