Knowledge Sharing in Teams and Virtual Teams

August 13, 2012

 

All teams, and in particular virtual teams, must create a mechanism for sharing knowledge and experiences critical for high team performance. Knowledge sharing includes distribution of current knowledge among team members and feeding the team with new knowledge from external sources. Even though technology is critical for most team performances, team member’s ability and willingness to participate actively in knowledge sharing is of great importance. Teams as well as virtual teams proficient at knowledge sharing, experience an increased cohesion, satisfaction, and motivation among team members.

Leaders as shapers of the team culture- To create a team culture, team leaders have to establish great trust among all team members. By working together face-to-face at least once a month helps to develop trust and lets e-mail and voice-mail information be perceived correctly. In addition, let every team-member have a voice on issues before moving on and also reward team member’s good work.

Leader as a role model- To increase team knowledge sharing and overall team performance, be a role model at all times. To establish a visible role model, establish agreed-upon rules for participation in the team, which includes the importance of sharing knowledge and information. Make frequent calls for updates and provide each team member with updates of their team member’s work for improved shared team and objective knowledge. Also ensure that information is shared consistently and team communication is encouraged.

Time constraints and deadline pressure- regularity is key in team environments, and regular schedule for conference ensures that team members share information on a regular basis. Also by setting clear objectives with documented due dates encourages each team member to agree and be active. If a team member has an idea or can help with specific objectives, encourage team members to make this offer to the full team.

Adapt technology to team needs- A virtual workstation can be used that enables team members to post and retrieve information. Allow team members to receive training on new technologies to ensure that team members are comfortable and motivated to use the technology.

The team’s transactive memory system- Do your team members know whom they should asked for specific knowledge or for external information sources? To improve your team’s transactive memory system, allow for open communication and give the opportunity to team members to speak about their own experience and ideas. Have a document about each team members profile, their knowledge and areas of expertise to assist each team members in learning ‘who knows what’ which will contribute to the development of a successful transactive memory system.

Cultural diversity to knowledge sharing- To minimize the adverse effect of cultural diversity in your team, educate your team member’s regarding possible cultural differences in communication and conflict styles among members. Also create a common team language and minimize the use of jargon and colloquialism that might not translate easily. Lastly, make use of offline talks to ensure that all team members fully understand the issues and ideas present.

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Kristin Weger, a graduate student in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

 

 

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