Integrating knowledge transfer and computer-mediated communication: categorizing barriers and possible responses

Abstract

Communication is at the heart of knowledge transfer (KT). But studies of KT barriers do not explicitly consider the relationship and impact of specific communication modalities on KT. The modalities of computer-mediated communication (CMC), namely email, Voice Over Internet Protocol, Instant Messaging (IM) and the like are generally viewed as a group ‘CMC’. In this paper, we analyze the KT literature to distill 21 key barriers to successful KT. These barriers are then categorized according to basic communication theory. We then examine leading theories of CMC and discuss how based on these theories individual CMC modalities can be applied to KT barriers. We conclude with a model that presents the categorized KT barriers in a communication channel model that can be addressed by CMC modalities and that can potentially break down those barriers.

Keywords:

• computer-mediated communication
• knowledge transfer
• barriers
• knowledge management
• communications

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David G Schwartz

About the author

David G. Schwartz is a senior lecturer and head of the Information Systems Division of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. David's research focuses on Computer-Mediated Communications, Knowledge Management, and Internet-based systems. Since 1998 he has served as Editor of the internationally acclaimed journal Internet Research. David's research has appeared in publications such as IEEE Intelligent Systems, International Journal of Human–Computer Studies, IEEE Transactions on Professional Communications, Kybernetes, and the Journal of Organizational Behavior. His books include Encyclopedia of Knowledge Management (2006) and Internet-Based Organizational Memory and Knowledge Management (2000) for which he served as Editor, and Cooperating Heterogeneous Systems (1995). David received his Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University; MBA from McMaster University; and B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, Canada.