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Hey, that was my idea! | July 6, 2006
BY PETER WOLCHAK
Co-workers don’t like to share knowledge: McMaster prof
Colleagues will often ignore requests for information, avoid answering questions and pretend not to know answers, according to a new workplace study by Catherine Connelly, assistant professor of human resources and management at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
This can be a problem, as modern knowledge economies do rather rely on knowledge. Here’s what to watch for, according to Connelly.
Clues knowledge is being hidden
You ask a colleague for help, and hear:
“I’m sorry. My boss doesn’t want this to be public.”
Nothing. The request is ignored.
“I don’t know. Maybe someone else can help you out.”
Why people hide knowledge
they feel an injustice has been done to them
they are distrustful of co-workers or management
they are retaliating against someone else’s behaviour toward them
the organizational climate encourages secrecy
they can get away with it
How to get people to share
emphasize positive relationships and trust
explain the mutual benefits of shared knowledge
make knowledge sharing part of the culture
Co-workers don’t like to share knowledge: McMaster prof
Colleagues will often ignore requests for information, avoid answering questions and pretend not to know answers, according to a new workplace study by Catherine Connelly, assistant professor of human resources and management at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
This can be a problem, as modern knowledge economies do rather rely on knowledge. Here’s what to watch for, according to Connelly.
Clues knowledge is being hidden
You ask a colleague for help, and hear:
“I’m sorry. My boss doesn’t want this to be public.”
Nothing. The request is ignored.
“I don’t know. Maybe someone else can help you out.”
Why people hide knowledge
they feel an injustice has been done to them
they are distrustful of co-workers or management
they are retaliating against someone else’s behaviour toward them
the organizational climate encourages secrecy
they can get away with it
How to get people to share
emphasize positive relationships and trust
explain the mutual benefits of shared knowledge
make knowledge sharing part of the culture
