University of Twente Student Theses
Using transactive memory systems to select and study a strategy for institutional knowledge retention
Rodijk, M. (2019) Using transactive memory systems to select and study a strategy for institutional knowledge retention.
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| Abstract: | Background: In many organisations, knowledge retention can be considered a critical challenge, as it is often an afterthought. However, loss of expertise as a result of an employees’ departure, could have a negative impact on an organisation. As a consequence of this loss, significant knowledge voids in the domains of productivity, decision-making and innovation can occur and interpersonal routines may be disrupted. It is therefore imperative that organisations recognize which knowledge areas are essential for its functionality and how to prevent its loss. Exploring the presence of TMSs can aid an organisation in revealing these knowledge areas. Therefore, organisations could benefit from implementing a knowledge retention strategy that is carefully selected, based on the presence of TMSs. Purpose: The present study focused on selecting a knowledge retention strategy by exploring the presence of TMSs, as well as essential types of knowledge and skills. Furthermore, knowledge related problems that were expected to arise, or not, when an employee would leave the organisation were analysed. Method: A cross-sectional case study was conducted in an organisation. A mixed method was used by conducting a questionnaire as well as a focus group study. In order to provide a selection of strategies, a list of criteria was composed. Findings/Results: The findings indicated the presence of TMSs, however its efficiency could be improved. Specific types of domain knowledge were regarded to as the essential type of knowledge for the employees’ performance of their job functions. The majority of the employees did not expect issues to arise when an employee would leave the organisation. However, obstacles regarding TMSs and the retention of knowledge were revealed. The members of the focus group had a unanimous preference for the “communities of practice knowledge retention strategy” to aid the organisation in retaining knowledge. It was considered a clear strategy and was expected to be up and running quickly. Conclusions/Recommendations: Within the participating organisation, knowledge retention could be considered a critical challenge. Creating awareness on the subject of knowledge retention and the impact of knowledge attrition, would be a first step towards achieving knowledge retention. To identify essential types of knowledge, awareness of the types of knowledge and skills employees use for completing tasks should be confirmed. If this is not the case, certain knowledge areas could be overlooked. Within this study, obstacles were revealed and a list of criteria, that could be applied to existing knowledge retention strategies, was composed. The insights that were retrieved, as well as the composed list of criteria, may be useful for organisations that wish to implement a knowledge retention strategy. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Educational Science and Technology MSc (60023) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/79762 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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