Modeling individual/group knowledge sharing barriers in Indian engineering industry – an integrated ISM, AHP and similarity coefficient approach

Abstract

In the present day scenario, smooth knowledge sharing helps to enhance the productivity of individuals and hence that of the engineering industries in which they work. In this environment, it is important to identify and recognize the barriers that hinder smooth knowledge sharing at an individual level because it is not easy to translate an individual's tacit knowledge (which resides in the individual's mind) into organizational knowledge. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique is applied to developing the hierarchy of identified individual knowledge sharing barriers (IKSBs) according to their driving power. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) technique is applied to quantifying the effectiveness of IKSBs using the ISM model. Finally, the similarity coefficient matrix is developed in order to evaluate the similarity between IKSBs with respect to strategies for overcoming them. The main objective of this research is to find the maximum driving power, effectiveness and similarity coefficient among identified IKSBs by the integrated approach. This integrated methodology provides quantified ranking and similarity of identified IKSBs that assist managers in creating strategies for overcoming them according to their similarity and effectiveness. In this paper, two IKSBs, namely (1) apprehension or fear that sharing knowledge may reduce job security and (2) low awareness by others of the value and benefits of possessing knowledge, have been identified as significant hindrances to smooth knowledge sharing at an individual level in Indian engineering industry due to their maximum driving power, effectiveness and similarity coefficient.