Knowledge Sharing in the New World of Work : Effects of the New Way of Working

Abstract

The New Way of Working (NWOW) is changing the world in which we work today. The principles of NWOW are based on freedom of time and place to work, and steering on output (results) instead of input (presence). As NWOW is a relatively new phenomenon, research on the effect of NWOW on knowledge sharing in organizations is scarce. In this research two multiple-case studies were performed to investigate the effect of the New Way of Working on knowledge. In the first study (A) different knowledge sharing scenarios were used at organizations that were in the process of implementing NWOW. This provided the opportunity to compare the sharing of knowledge between `NWOW workers` and employees that still worked in the traditional way (non-NWOW workers). In total 216 scenario results were evaluated to determine differences in channel choice between the traditional and new work environment. For the second study (B) a Knowledge Sharing Framework was developed, based on the theories of Nonaka and Alavi & Leidner. This framework was used to determine the type of knowledge shared, e.g. tacit or explicit knowledge, in 84 situations. Additionally, to measure the level of NWOW adoption, a NWOW Analysis Monitor was used. The results show that NWOW workers use more different communication channels than traditional workers. When knowledge workers become more mobile, they will exchange knowledge less explicit (codified) and more tacit (personalized), use less face-to-face communication, but more video calls and e-mail. The adoption of the principles of NWOW seems to have a balancing effect on the knowledge that is shared in a tacit and explicit way, which in the view of Scheepers et al. is an effective knowledge sharing strategy. The research results show organizations need to realize that the New World of Working is affecting the way knowledge is shared. Missing out on this development may result in the loss of important knowledge and impact the operation of organizations.